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BY  JOHN  DAGGETT. 


Hi  MANX PRINTER. 


1S34. 


INTRODUCTION. 


This  little  work  is  designed  principally  for  the  citizens  of  this  town.  The 
subject  is  not  presumed  to  be  of  sufficient  interest  to  attract  the  particular  attention 
of  strangers.  1  have,  therefore,  entered  into  details  and  local  descriptions  which 
will  not  be  interesting  to  readers  in  general,  but  only  to  those  who  are  connect- 
ed with  the  scene  by  association  or  locality. 

The  work  originated  in  a  Lecture  delivered  before  the  Lyceum  in  Attleborough 
in  1830,  which  was  prepared  without  the  most  distant  idea  of  publication.  The 
subject,  though  an  old  one,  being  entirely  new  to  the  hearers,  excited  much  in- 
terest. At  the  earnest  request  of  many  of  the  most  respectable  citizens  of  the 
town,  I  concluded  to  prepare  it  for  publication,  to  be  included  in  a  mere  pampn- 
let  of  about  60  pages.  In  compliance  with  what  seemed  the  general  wish,  pro- 
posals were  accordingly  issued,  to  ascertain  if  sufficient  encouragement  would 
be  given  to  justify  the  undertaking.  But  in  the  prosecution  of  my  researches, 
new  materials  were  found,  and  the  work  multiplied  upon  my  hands,  until  it  has 
extended  to  more  than  double  its  original  size. 

"When  the  author  attempted  to  prepare  even  a  brief  lecture  on  the  subject  and 
began  to  make  inquiries  accordingly,  he  was  told  that  it  was  in  vain — that  no 
materials  existed  from  which  a  sketch  could  be  formed,  particularly  in  relation 
to  our  early  history.  The  attempt  indeed  was  at  first  discouraging.  The  field 
was  new  and  unexplored.  There  was  no  light  *  to  lead  my  blind  way'  through 
the  dark  labyrinths  of  the  past.  Little  or  nothing  was  contained  in  other  works 
to  which  I  could  refer  for  aid.  The  spot  had  almost  escaped  the  prying  curi- 
eiity  of  the  antiquarian.  I  found,  however,  after  diligent  and  laborious  research, 
facts  enough  to  make  up  the  present  volume. 

The  materials  which  are  here  embodied  have  been  derived  mostly  from  orig- 
inal sources.  I  have  gathered  'here  a  little,  and  there  a  little.'  Tradition  has 
supplied  a  part— for  some  facts  I  am  indebted  to  tho  recollections  of  the  aged  ; 
others  I  have  industriously  gleaned  from  a  mass  of  voluminous  and  almost  illegi- 
ble records  and  other  manuscripts.  I  have  left  nothing  unsearched  which  might 
throw  light  on  the  early  history  of  the  town. 

The  object  of  this  work  is  not  mere  amusement,  but  the  preservation  of  fact*. 
I  have,  therefore,  selected  not  merely  what  might  be  interesting  at  the  present 
time,  but  what  might  be  valuable  for  future  reference.  Hence,  some  may  think 
that  it  is  too  minute  in  the  relation  of  circumstances  ;  but  others,  knowing  the 
true  objects  of  such  a  work,  will  be  rather  inclined  to  complain  that  it  is  not  mi- 
nute enough.  Minuteness  and  detail  are,  in  fact,  the  principal  merit  of  local  his- 
tories. Such  works  will  furnish  materials  for  more  general  history.  This  is  the 
design  ; — or  at  least,  one  great  benefit  to  be  derived  from  them  is  the  collection 
and  preservation  of  faett  for  a  more  full  and  perfect  history  of  the  country.  Ma- 
ny items  which  have  been  collected  together  in  these  pages,  however  unimportant 

M546444 


bow,  will  bo  cunositiei  to  future  generation*     They  will  become  more  interest- 
ing, as  time  throws  its  thickening  shadows  over  the  actors  and  events  of  the  past. 
I  have  seized  the  present  moment  and  gathered  what  could  be  obtained  from 
tradition,  and  thus  arrested  what  was  rapidly  passing  into  the  gulf  of  oblivion.     I 
have  been  particularly  minute  in  describing  the  transactions  connected  with  the 
Revolution.    Those,  who  lived  in  that  age — who  saw  and  acted  in  the  great 
scenes  which  then  transpired,  and  who  alone  can  give  us  correct  and  circumstantial 
accounts  of  that  period,  will,  in  a  very  few  years  more,  have  passed  from  the  stage 
of  life  ;  and  thus,  interesting  and  important  facts  will  be  irrecoverably  lost  to  us 
and  to  posterity,  unless  now  rescued  and  embodied  in  a  durable   form.    The 
present  is  the  only  time  to  obtain  minute  and  circumstantial  accounts  of  the  Rev- 
olution.    Even  now,  since  the  commencement  of  this  work,  several,  from  whom 
I  have  obtained  facts  in  relation  to  that  period,  have  descended  to  the  silence  of 
the  grave.     It  is  hoped,  that  every  opportunity  will  be  improved,  to  collect  in- 
formation  from  those  who  were  personally  engaged  in  the  scenes  of  the  Revolu- 
tion, ere  they  shall  all  disappear  from  the  stage  of  life.     It   is  useless  to  disguise 
that  the  labor  and  expense  of  collecting  the  materials  and  preparing   the  work, 
brief  and  imperfect  as  it  is,  have  far  exceeded  my  expectations.     Indeed ,  no  one, 
nntil  he  has  tried  the  experiment,  can  fully  appreciate  the  labor  and  patience  and 
perseverance  which  are  requisite  in  connecting  insulated  facts  and  supplying  brok- 
en links  in  the  chain,  and  the  perplexity  which  is  caused  in  reconciling  apparent 
contradictions  and   removing  doubts.     I  have,  however,  no  expectation  of  re- 
ceiving an  adequate  compensation  for  the  time  and  expense  bestowed  upon  the 
work  ;  but  the  consciousness  of  having  redeemed  from  undeserved  neglect  the 
names  of  our  worthy  forefathers,  and  rescued  from  oblivion  many  facts    in  the 
history  of  my  native  town,  which  would  otherwise  have  been  irrecoverably  lost, 
will  be,  if  not  a  sufficient  reward,  at  least  a  consolation. 

Such  a  work,  I  am  aware,  is  of  no  great  consequence  to  any  but  those  who 
are  connected  with  the  town.  But  it  takes  many  little  rills  to  make  up  the  great 
current  of  history.  All  these  things  tend  to  throw  light  on  the  interesting  sub- 
ject of  our  early  history  ;  and,  in  this  view,  every  historical  fact,  however  mi- 
nute or  unimportan;  in  itself,  is  valuable  aud  worthy  of  preservation.  And  it 
may  be  truly  said,  that  he  has  not  labored  in  vain,  who  has  added  one  new 
truth  to  what  is  already  known,  or  elucidated  one  dark  spot  in  his  country '■ 
Jbistory. 

Ja  the  extracts  which  have  been  made  from  ancient  records,  I  have  retained 
the  original  dates,  and  the  titles  which  were  bestowed  in  accordance  with  the 
custom  of  former  times.  Even  the  most  inferior  titles  then  conferred  some  dis- 
tinction. In  the  earliest  records  it  is  not  uncommon  to  find  '  Corporal  and  Ser- 
geant '  such-a-one.  Ensign,  Lieut,  and  Capt.  were  invariably  applied  to  those 
who  could  claim  the  honor.  Even  the  title  of  Mr.  which  is,  now  without  dis- 
tinction, on  account  of  its  indiscriminate  application,  was  once  esteemed  an  honor 
to  which  but  few  could  aspire  ! 

I  have  labored  to  be  accurate,  but  some  errors  have  doubtless,   escaped  the 
closest  attention.    If  any  should  be  observed,  it  will  be  esteemed  a  favor,  if  those 
who  have  the  means  will  communicate  the  correction. 
4ttleborough,  fan.  ISSi. 


HISTORY  OF  ATTLEBOROUGH. 


In  1643  a  company  was  formed  at  Weymouth,  Mass.  con* 
sisting  of  Rev.  Samuel  Newman  and  a  part  of  his  congrega- 
tion, for  the  purpose  of  establishing  a  new  settlement  in  this 
vicinity.  They  purchased  a  large  tract  of  land  of  the  Sachem 
of  Pokanoket,  including  what  is  now  Rehoboth,  Seekonk,  Paw- 
tucket,  and  a  part  of  Swansea  then  known  by  the  name  of 
Wannamoisett ;  and  in  the  spring  of  1644,  removed  to  a  place 
then  called  by  the  Indians  Seacunke,  and  commenced  their 
settlement  around  the  Great  Plain.  This  was  the  Rehoboth 
purchase.  Here  the  inhabitants  continued,  with  many  addi- 
tions to  their  number,  as  a  distinct  settlement  until  June  4th, 
1645,  when  they  were  adopted  into  the  jurisdiction  of  Plym- 
outh Colony,  and  incorporated  as  a  township  by  the  scriptural 
name  of  Rehoboth. 

In  1661,  Captain  Thomas  Willet  was  employed  by  that 
town  to  make  a  purchase  of  a  new  tract  of  land  in  their  be- 
half, having  been  first  authorized  and  empowered  by  the  Court 
for  that  purpose.  He  accordingly  purchased  of  Wamsitta* 
a  certain  tract  of  land  north  of  the  town  of  Rehoboth,  which 
was  called  the   Rehoboth  North  Purchase.     It  was  bounded 


*  Sachem  of  Pokanoket,  originally  called  Mooanam,  afterwards  Alexan- 
der, the  elder  brother  of  King  Phillip  and  son  of  Massasoit.  He  died  in 
the  summer  of  1662.  His  wife's  name  was  Namumpum. — Sen  Drakes  Indian, 
Biography. 


West  by  Pawtucket  River,  now  the  Blackstone;  North  by  the 
Massachusetts  Colony  or  the  Bay  line,  (so  called);  East  by 
territory  which  was  afterwards  the  Taunton  North  Purchase, 
now  Mansfield,  Norton,  and  Easton  ;  and  South  by  the  ancient 
Rehoboth,  now  Rehoboth,  Seekonk,  and  Pawtucket.  This 
purchase  included  Attleborough,  Cumberland,  R.  I.  and  a 
tract  of  a  mile  and  a  half*  in  width,  extending  east  and  west, 
(which  was  annexed  to  Rehoboth  as  an  enlargement,)  and  a 
part  of  Mansfield  and  Norton.  This  purchase  was  afterwards, 
viz.  April  10th,  1660,  granted  and  confirmed  by  the  Plymouth 
Government  to  the  inhabitants  of  Rehoboth. 

The  following  copy  of  the  Indian  Deed  is  taken  from  the 
Old  Colony  Records. 

A  Deed  appointed  to  be  recorded. 

Know  all  men,  that  I  Wamsetta,  alias  Alexander,  chief  Sa- 
chem of  Pokanokett,f  for  divers  good  causes  and  valuable  con- 
siderations me  thereunto  moving,  have  bargained  and  sold  unto 
Captain  Thomas  Willett  of  Wannamoisett  all  those  tracts  of 
land  situate  and  being  from  the  bounds  of  Rehoboth  ranging 
upon  Patuckett  River  unto  a  place  called  Waweypounshag,  the 
place  where  one  Blackston  now  sojourneth,  and  so  ranging 
along  to  the  said  river  unto  a  place  called  Messanegtacaneh 
and  from  this  upon  a  straight  line  crossing  through  the  woods 
unto  the  uttermost  bounds  of  a  place  called  Mamantapett  or 
Wading  River,  and  from  the  said  River  one  mile  and  a  half 
wpon  an  east  line,  and  from  thence  upon  a  south  line  unto  the 
bounds  of  the  town  of  Rehoboth :  To  have  and  to  hold  unto 
him  the  said  Captain  Willett  and  his  associates,  their  heirs  and 
assigns  forever ;  reserving  only  a  competent  portion  of  land 
for  some  of  the  natives  at  Mishanegitaconett  for  to  plant  and 
sojourn  upon,  as  the  said  Wamsetta  alias  Alexander  and  the 
said  Thomas  Willett  jointly  together  shall  see  meet ;  and  the 
rest  of  all  the  land  aforementioned,  with  all  the  woods,  waters. 


*  It  was  givcn%  verbally,  to  Rehoboth  by  the  agents  of  the  Court  who 
were  appointed  to  convey  the  North  Purchase  to  the  Proprietors,  and  after- 
wards re-annexed  to  Attleborough. 

t  Or  Pocanaket,  or  Pawkunnawkut,  a  name  applied  to  the  whole  domin- 
ion of  King  Phillip,  whose  personal  tribe  wag  the  Wampanoags. 


meadows,  and  all  emoluments  whatsoever  to  remain  unto  the 
said  Thomas  Willett  and  his  associates,  their  heirs  and  assigns 
forever.  Witness  my  hand  and  seal  the  eighth  day  of  April  in 
the  year  1661. 

The  mark  of  AXA 
Signed,  sealed  and  delivered  Wamsiita  alias  Alexander, 

in  presence  of  his  seal    [l.  s.] 

John  Brown  Jr. 
*     Jonathan  Bosworth, 

John  Sassaman  the  Interpreter. 

April  10th,  1666.  Witnesseth  These  Presents,  that  Captain 
Thomas  Willett  above  said  hath  and  doth  hereby  resign,  deliv- 
er and  make  over  all  and  singular  the  lands  above  mentioned, 
purchased  of  Wamsitta  alias  Alexander  chief  Sachem  of  Po- 
canokett,  according  unto  the  bounds  above  expressed,  with  all 
and  singular  the  benefits,  privileges,  and  immunities  thereunto 
appertaining,  unto  Mr.  Thomas  Prence,  Major  Josias  Wins- 
low,  Capt.  Thomas  Southworth,  and  Mr.  Constant  South- 
worth,  in  the  behalf  of  the  Colony  of  New  Plymouth.  In  wrt- 
wess  whereof  he  doth  hereunto  set  his  hand  and  seal. 
Signed,  sealed  and  delivered  Thomas  Willett  [Seal] 

in  presence  of 

Daniel  Smith, 

Nicholas  Peck. 

The  following  is  the  Grant  or  Deed*  of  the  Government, 

Know  all  men  by  these  presents,  that  we  Thomas  Prence, 
Josias  Winslow,  Thomas  Southworth  and  Constant  Southworth 
by  order  of  the  General  Court  of  New  Plymouth,  and  in  the 
name  and  behalf  of  the  said  Colony  of  Plymouth,  have  and  by 
these  presents  do  bargain,  sell,  alien,  grant  and  confer  and 
make  over  unto  the  proprietors  of  the  town  of  Xtehoboth  (viz.) 
unto  all  that  hold  there,  from  a  fifty  pound  estate  and  upwards, 
according  to  their  first  agreement,  all  and  singular  the  lands  ly- 
ing and  being  on  the  north  side  of  that  town  of  Itehoboth  bound- 


*  1  he  original  it  among  tb«  Record*  of  the  Proprietor!  of  tke  R.  N. 
I'urehaie. 


ed  as  followeth,  (viz.)  by  a  River  commonly  called  Patucket  riv- 
er, on  the  west,  and  up  the  said  River  unto  the  Massachusetts 
Line,  and  on  the  northerly  side  by  the  said  Line  until  it  cross 
the  old  road  towards  the  Bay,  where  the  marked  tree  stands 
and  heap  of  stones,  and  thence  a  mile  and  a  half  east,  and 
from  thence  by  a  direct  line  to  the  north  east  corner  of  the 
present  bounds  of  the  town  of  Rehoboth,  and  so  brick  again 
home  unto  the  said  Line  between  the  governments ;  with  all 
the  meadows,  woods,  waters,  and  all  benefits,  emoluments, 
privileges,  and  immunities,  thereunto  appertaining  and  belong- 
ing, to  have  and  to  hold  to  them  and  to  their  heirs  for  ever ; 
Excepting  that  we  reserve  within  this  tract  a  farm  formerly 
granted  unto  Major  Josias  "Winslow,  and  a  farm  granted  unto 
Capt.  Thomas  Willett,  and  two  hundred  acres  of  land  unto  Mr. 
James  Brown  about  Snake  Hill,  and  ten  acres  of  meadow 
thereabouts;  and  the  meadow  called  Blackstone's  Meadow, 
the  west  plain  and  the  South  neck  the  quantity  of  two  hundred 
acres,  and  the  fifty  acres  granted  to  Roger  Amadown,  with 
four  acres  of  meadow  adjoining,  three  acres  of  meadow  to 
Nicholas  Ide,  and  half  an  acre  of  meadow  unto  George  Robin- 
son: All  the  residue  of  the  lands  above  mentioned  we  do  here- 
by firmly  make  over  unto  the  above  said  purchasers  and  their 
heirs  for  ever,  and  do  hereby  acknowledge  ourselves  to  be  fully 
paid  and  satisfied  for  the  same,  and  do  exonerate,  acquit  and 
discharge  them  and  e\ery  of  them  for  and  concerning  the 
premises. 

In   witness  whereof  we  have  hereunto  set  our  hands  and 
seals,  this  tenth  of  April  1666. 
Signed,  sealed  and  delivered 

in  presence  of  Thomas  Prence  (l.  s.) 

Isaac  Howland  Josias  Winslow  (l.  s.) 

The  mark  m  of  Thomas  Southworth    (l.  s.)  , 

John  Parris  Constant  Southworth   (l.  s.) 

The  mark  x   of 
John  Rocket. 

Marginal  Note. 
It  was  also  agreed  before  the  signing  and  sealing  of  this 
Deed  that,  according  unto  a  clause  in  the  Indian   Deed  when 


these  lands  were  purchased  by  Capt.  Willett,  that  some  meet 
proportion  of  lands  about  Sinnichiconet,  such  as  the  said  Capt. 
Willett  and  the  Indian  Sachem  shall  agree  upon,  should  be  set 
out  for  the  use  of  the  Indians. 

Note  on  the  back  of  the  same  Deed. 
This  Deed  is  recorded  according  to  order  by  me   Nathaniel 
Morton,  Secretary  to  the  Court  of  New  Plymouth. 

The  Dividend  of  Lands  enrolled 
Folio  217. 

The  following  order  relating  to  this  subject  was  passed  bj 
the  Court  of  Plymouth. 

'New  Plymouth  October  2d  1C65. 

Whereas  the  Court,  having  formerly  impowered  Capt. 
Thomas  Willet  to  purchase  of  the  Indians  certain  Tracts  of 
lands  on  the  North  of  Rehoboth  towards  the  Bay  Line,  the 
which  he  hath  done,  and  is  out  of  purse  some  considerable  sum 
of  money  for  the  same,  this  Court  have  appointed  the  Honor- 
ed Governor,  the  Major  Win  slow,  Capt.  Southworth,  and  Mr. 
Constant  Southworth,  to  treat  with  Capt.  Willet  concerning  the 
said  purchase,  and  have  impowered  the  above  named  Com- 
mittee to  take  notice  of  what  hath  been  purchased  by  him,  and 
what  Deeds  he  hath,  and  what,  his  disbursments  have  been  for 
the  same ;  and  have  also  impowered  them  to  settle  upon  him 
such  a  proportion  of  the  said  lands  as  may  appear  to  be  equal, 
upon  any  grant  to  him  ;  and  to  accommodate  the  town  of 
Rehoboth  respecting  an  enlargement  of  their  town,  as  the 
Court  have  promised ;  and  to  take  such  course  concerning  the 
remainder  as  he  may  be  reimbursed  of  his  just  due  and  those 
lands  may  be  settled  by  the  Court.' 

Extracted  from  and  compared  with  the  Records  of  said 
Court.  Per.  SAMUEL  SPRAGUE  Clerk. 

The  following  introduction  is  entered  in  the  first  Book  of 
the  Records  of  the  R.  N.  Purchase: 

Whereas,  in  the  year  one  thousand  six  hundred  sixty  and 
six,  a  purchase  of  lands  was  made  by  the  Inhabitants  of  Reho- 
both and  the  neighborhood  of  Annimosett : — the  said  lands  sit- 
uate  on  the  North  side  of  the  Towne  of  Rehoboth — of  Mr. 


10 

Thomas  Prince  Esquire,  Major  Josiah  Winslow,  Captain 
Thomas  Southworth  Agents  of  the  Government  of  New  Plym- 
outh, the  bounds  of  the  said  lands  fully  appearing  by  a  Deed  of 
sale  made  by  the  aforesaid  gentlemen,  to  the  purchasers  there- 
of, bearing  date  the  tenth  of  April  1666,  which  deed  hath  been 
inrolled  at  the  Court  of  New  Plymouth  according  to  order  of 
Court.  The  bounds  of  the  said  lands  are  as  follovveth,  (viz.) 
by  a  river  called  Patucket  river,  on  the  West,  and  up  the  said 
river  unto  the  Massachusetts  line;  and  on  the  Northerly  side, 
by  the  same  line,  until  it  cross  the  ould  Roade  towards  the 
Bay,  where  the  marked  tree  stands,  and  a  heape  of  stones; 
and  thence  a  mile  and  halfe  East,  and  from  thence  by  a  direct 
line  to  the  North  East  corner  of  the  ancient  bounds  of  the 
towne  of  llehobotb,  and  soe  back  againe  home  to  the  said 
line  between  the  Governments — Excepting  there  was  reserved 
out  of  the  said  tract  of  land,  a  farm  granted  before  to  Major 
Josiah  Winslow,  a  farm  granted  to  Captain  Thomas  Willett, 
and  two  hundred  acres  of  land  to  Mr.  James  Browne  about 
Snake-hill,  and  ten  acres  of  Meadow  thereabouts;  and  the 
Meadow  called  Blackstone's  Meadow  the  West  plaine  ;  and 
the  South  neck  the  quantity  of  two  hundred  acres:  and  fifty 
acres  granted  to  Roger  Ammidown  with  four  acres  of  meadow; 
and  three  acres  of  Meadow  to  Nicholas  Ide  ;  and  half  an  acre 
to  George  Robinson  ;  also  some  Meete  proportion  of  lands  for 
the  Indians  at  Sinnichiteconett ;  for  the  use  of  the  said  Indians. 
All  the  rest  of  the  said  lands  within  the  said  tract  as  before 
bounded,  to  be  equally  divided  to  the  purchasers  thereof  accor- 
ding to  their  said  proportions,  (there  being  Seventy  Nine 
whole  shares  and  a  half)  being  joint  purchasers;  and  the  said 
purchasers  have  fully  discharged  and  paid  the  purchase  thereof 
according  to  their  several  proportions. 

Mem.  That  the  clause  in  the  former  page  "to  be  equally  di- 
vided to  the  purchasers  thereof"  hath  reference  to  the  before 
expressed  date  (viz.)  one  thousand  Six  hundred  and  Sixty  and 
Six. 

The  Names  of  the  Purchasers  with  their  Rights  to  the  said 
Lands  before  mentioned  are  those  {no  man  contradicting)  that 
are  here  expressed  in  the  following  List. 


11 


Capt.  Thomas  Willett,  (one 
share,  John  Wilkinson's) 

Mr.  Stephen  Paine  Sen.  2  shs. 
(one  that  was  his  own  and 
one  that  was  appointed  for 
John  Martin.) 

Mr.  Noah  Newman  1   sh. 

Lieut.  Peter  Hunt  1  sh. 

Mr.  James  Browne  1  sh, 

Samuel  Newman  1  sh. 

John  Allen  Sen.  1  sh. 

John  Woodcock  1 J  sh. 

Thomas  Estabrooke's  J  sh. 
( bought  of  Roger  Arni- 
downe) 

Thomas  Willmot  2  shs.  (one 
he  bought  of  Jo.  Carpen- 
ter  and   one  of  his  own) 

Sampson  Mason  1  sh. 

Anthoney  Perry  1  sh. 

John  Butterworth  1  sh.  (this 
sold  to  Daniel  Jenkes  except- 
ing the  meadow) 

Philip  Walker  1  sh. 

John  Ormsby  1  sh. 

Richard  Martin  lsh. 

Stephen  Paine  Jun.  1  sh. 

Rober  Joans  I  sh. 

Obadiah  Bowen    1  sh. 

John  Pecke  1  sh. 

James  Redeway  I  sh. 

Samuel  Carpenter  1  sh. 

John  Titus  2  sh.  (one  that  he 
bought  of  his  mother-in  law 
Abigail  Carpenter,  and  one 
that,  was  his  own; 

Mr.  John  Myles  1  sh. 

William  Carpenter  1  sh. 

Joseph  Pecke  1  sh. 

Thomas  Cooper  Jun.  1  sh. 

Ensign  Henery  Smith  1  sh. 

Thomas  Cooper  Sen.  1  sh. 

Samuel  Pecke  1  sh. 

William  Buckland  1  sh. 

Joseph  Buckland  1  sh. 

Benjamin  Buckland,  I  sh. 


John  Reade  Sen.  1  sh. 

John  Reade  Jun.  1  sh. 

Nicholas  Pecke  1  sh. 

Elizabeth,  Hannah,  and  Lyd- 
ia  Winchester  I  sh.  this  sould 
to  Dan'l.  Shepardson. 

Daniel  Smith  1  sh. 

Jonathan  Bliss  1  sh. 

Rice  Leonard  1   sh. 

William  Saben  1  sh. 

John  Perrin  Sen.  1  sh. 

George  Kendricke  1  sh. 

George  Robenson  1  sh. 

John  Doggett  1  sh. 

John  Fitch  1  sh. 

Richard  Bowen  Jun.  1  sh. 

Elizabeth  Bullucke  1  sh. 

John  Miller  Jun.  1  sh. 

Robert  Fuller  1  sh. 

Robert  Wheaton  1  sh. 

Ester  Hall  1  sh. 

John  Milier  Sen.  1  sh. 

Jaret  Ingraham  1  sh. 

John  Kingsley  1  sh. 

Gilbert  Brookes  1  sh. 

Thomas  Reade  1  sh. 

Thomas  Grant  J  sh. 

Jonathan  Fuller  1  sh. 

James  Gillson  1  sh.  (bought  of 
Samuel  Saben) 

Samuel  Luther  1  sh.  (this 
share  sold  to  Mr.  Phillip 
Squire) 

Nicholas  Tanner  lsh. 

John  Allen  Jun.  1  sh. 

Preserved  Abell  1  sh. 

Francis  Stephens  1  sh. 

Nicholas  Tde  1  sh. 

Richard  Whittaker  1  sh. 

Nathaniel  Pecke  1  sh. 

Israel  Pecke  1  sh. 

Jonah  Palmer  1  sh. 

Robert  Miller  1  sh. 

Nathaniel  Paine  1  sh.  (J  of  it 
he  bought  of  Richard  Bow- 
en Sen.  and   the  other,   of 


II 

Jeremiah  Wheaton.)  John  Lovell  1  sh. 

Joanna  Ide   of  New  Norwich    Eldad  Kinsley  1  sh. 

halfe  a  share.  — 

John  Savage  £  sh.  The   aforesaid  List  and  the 

Thomas  Ormsby  J  sh.  (bought    preface  to   it  was   universally 

of  Richard  Bowen  Sen.)  agreed  upon  at  a  Meeting  of 

Jacob  Ormsby  £  sh.  (that  was    the     Purchasers,     May    28th 

his  mother's.)  1672  to  be   entered   into  the 

John  Polley  1  sh.  (that  he  had    Booke   of    Records    for     the 

of  his  father  Jon.  Bosworth.    North  Purchased  Lands, 
William  Allen  of  Prudense*  I        This  attested  to  by  me, 

sh.  he  bought   of  Nathaniel  William  Carpenter,  Jr. 

Paine.  Clerke. 

This  List  of  Proprietors,  as  the  reader  perceives,  was  made 
in  1672,  by  a  committee  chosen  for  that  purpose. 

The  first  division  of  lands  in  the  North  Purchase  was  made 
June  22nd.  1653.  This  division  was  confined  exclusively  to 
Meadow  land.  It  appears  by  the  following  extracts  from  the 
town  Records  of  Rehoboth  that  the  Court  had  made  a  grant  of 
the  meadows  in  the  N.  Purchase  before  the  rest  of  the  land  was 
granted. 

February  23d,  1657.  At  a  town  meeting  lawfully  warned, 
it  was  voted  that  all  the  Meadows  lying  on  the  North  side  of 
the  Town,  which  were  given  and  granted  to  the  Town  by  the 
Court,  shall  be  laid  out  according  to  person  and  estate. 

At  the  same  time  those  men  whose  names  are  here  subscribed 
have  promised  to  go  to  see  what  meadows  they  can  find  on  the 
North  side  of  our  Town,  that  they  may  notify  our  town,  to 
their  best  judgment,  what  quantity  there  may  be  of  it,  and  «*this 
they  promise  to  do  freely  on  their  own  charge.'  Win.  Car- 
penter Senior  will  go  3  days  on  his  own  charge,  and  if  he  go 
any  more  he  is  to  be  paid  for  it.  Wm.  Sabin,  1  day  ;  Lieut. 
Hunt  2  days  ;  Joseph  Peck  1  day ;  John  Peck  1  day ;  Henry 
Smith  1  day  ;  Wrm.  Bucklin  2  days  ;  Robert  Fuller  1  day ; 
John  Read  1  day ;  Thomas  Cooper  Junior  1  day  ;  Francis 
Stephens  1  day. 

At  the  same  time,  those  men  whose  names  are  here  sub- 
scribed are  accepted  of  the  freemen  of  the  town  to  take  up 
their  freedom,   viz  : — Joseph  Peck,  John  Peck,  Henry  Smith, 


Probably  Providence. 


13 

Kobert  Fuller,  John  Fitch,  Steven  Paine,  Jonathan  Bliss, 
Wm.  Bucklin,  Rice  Leonard.  Several  of  these  persons  after- 
wards removed  to  Attleborough. 

June  22d,  1658.  It  was  voted,  that  all  the  meadow  that  lies 
upon  the  North  side  of  the  town,  that  hath  been  visited  by 
certain  men  according  to  the  town's  order,  shall  be  lotted  out, 
according  to  person  and  estate. 

14  of  the  9th  month  1661.  Lieut.  Hunt,  and  Wm.  Sabin 
were  chosen  to  confer  with  Mr.  Willet  to  know  what  he  hath 
done  about  the  North  side  of  the  town  in  the  behalf  of  the 
town. 

The  28  of  the  5  mo.  1662.  It  was  voted  that  John  Wood^ 
cock*  should  have  two  rods  of  land  to  build  a  small  house  on 
for  himself  and  his  family  to  be  in  on  the  Lord's  day  in  some 
convenient  place  near  the  meeting  house  ;  and  Goodman  Paine 
and  Lieut.  Hunt  were  chosen  to  see  where  the  most  conven- 
ient place  might  be  for  it. 

1658  June  22d.  "At  a  town  meeting  lawfully  warned  Lots 
were  drawn  for  the  meadows  that  lie  on  the  North  side  of  the 
town,  according  to  person  and  estate." 

April  18,  1666.  It  was  voted  by  the  town  that  the  late  pur- 
chasers of  land  upon  the  north  side  of  our  town  shall  bear  for- 
ty shillings  in  a  rate  of  5  £,  and  so  proportionable  in  all  other 
public  charges. 

It  was  also  voted  that  there  should  be  a  three  railed  fence 
setup  and  maintained  between  the  late  purchased  land  on  the 
north  side  of  the  town  to  be  set  up  on  all  the  end  of  the  plain 
from  Goodman  Buckland's  lands  to  the  mill  river,  and  every 
man  that  is  interested  in  the  said  purchased  Lands  to  bear  an 
,  equal  proportion  in  the  aforesaid  fence  according  to  their 
proportion  of  Lands. 

It  was  also  voted  to  make  choice  of  a  Committee  for  the 
settling  and  stating  of  the  late  purchased  Lands  on  the  north 
side  of  our  town,  viz  :  whether  such,  as  at  present  seem  ques- 
tionable, are  true  proprietors  of  the  aforesaid  lands ; — and 
the    Committee   chosen   were   Capt.   Willet   with    the  towns- 


*  Aftervvardi  of  Attleborough. 
3 


14 

men  and  those  that  stand  engaged  for  the  payment  of  the 
aforesaid  purchased  Lands.  The  Committee  reported  April 
23d,  1666. 

It  was  also  voted  by  the  town  that  Mr.  Goodman  Martin 
shall  enjoy  a  spot  of  fresh  meadow  that  lies  on  the  north  side 
of  the  town  lying  at  the  end  of  the  Great  Plain,  during  his 
life  and  his  wife's,  and  at  their  decease  to  return  to  the  town. 

At  the  same  time  it  was  agreed  between  the  town  and  Capt. 
Willet,  that  for  the  forty  acres  of  meadow  that  he  is  to  have 
to  his  farm,  on  the  north  side  of  the  town,  he  is  by  agreement 
made  with  the  town  to  have  high  Squisset  and  Low  Squisset, 
and  the  bounds  of  the  said  Squisset's  meadows  to  be  according 
to  the  sight  of  the  Surveyors  the  day  that  they  laid  out  his 
farm,  that  is,  Henry  Smith  and  William  Carpenter  ;  and  he  is 
also  to  have  a  piece  of  meadow  at  the  Seven  Mile  River  near 
unto  the  going  out  at  the  highway,  and  six  acres  of  meadow  at 
the  Ten  Mile  River,  and  what  there  wants  of  the  six  acres  in 
quality  is  to  be  made  up  in  quantity — the  said  six  acres  of 
meadow  on  the  Ten  Mile  River  lies  by  the  old  highway  as  we 
go  into  the  Bay. 

'April  23d  1666.  The  Committee  that  was  chosen  by  the 
town  April  18th  1666,  at  a  town  meeting,  for  the  stating  and 
settling  of  the  late  purchased  lands,  upon  the  North  side  of  our 
town,  the  aforesaid  committee  being  met  together  this  twenty 
third  of  April,  we  see  cause  that  there  shall  be  seventy  six 
whole  shares  and  equal  purchasers  in  the  aforesaid  Lands,  and 
six  persons  that  have  half  shares,  which  we  see  cause  to  add 
to  the  seventy  six  whole  shares,  so  that  the  whole  number  of 
shares  amounts  to  seventy  nine  shares.' 

May  19th  1666.  At  a  town  meeting  lawfully  warned,  the 
town  concluded  to  have  a  meeting  upon  the  last  Tuesday  in 
June,  to  consider  of  the  meadows  on  the  north  side  of  the 
town,  how  they  may  be  disposed  of  for  this  present  year  ;  it  is 
therefore  agreed  by  this  town,  that  no  man  shall  mow  a  load 
or  a  part  of  a  load  of  grass,  before  the  town  hath  disposed  of 
them,  upon  the  penalty  of  twenty  shillings  the  load  or  part  of 
a  load. 


15 

Oct.  16th  1666.  At  a  town  meeting  it  was  concluded,  that 
the  purchased  lands  on  the  north  side  of  the  town  shall  be  di- 
vided between  this  and  the  first  of  May  next  ensuing. 

It  was  also  voted  by  the  town  that  no  person  shall  fall  any 
trees  upon  the  aforesaid  lands  on  the  north  side  of  our  town 
before  the  said  lands  be  divided,  upon  the  penalty  of  ten  sbiti 
lings  for  every  tree  so  fallen. 

The  same  day  John  Doggett,  John  Woodcock,  and  John 
Titus  were  chosen  by  the  town  to  see  what  timber  trees  are 
fallen  on  the  late  purchased  lands  on  the  north  side  of  our 
town,  and  they  shall  have  the  forfeiture  for  their  pains,  and 
the  trees  to  those  that  the  land  shall  fall  to. 

June  22d  1667.  At  a  town  meeting  it  was  voted  by  the 
town  that  the  meadows  lying  on  the  north  side  of  the  town 
shall  be  for  this  present  year,  as  they  were  the  last  year. 

April  10th  1668.  The  town  chose  a  Committee  to  go  and 
view  the  meadows  that  are  in  the  North  Purchase  and  to  acre 
them  out,  to  devide  them  into  three  score  and  eighteen  parts 
and  a  half,  and  to  mark  and  bound  out  each  part  and  put  in 
such  swamps  as  in  their  prudence  they  think  meet,  to  be  laid 
out  in  the  said  division  — provided  they  do  it  equally  as  they  can. 
The  said  committee  are  Anthony  Perry,  Philip  Walker,  Thom- 
as Willmot,  *  Nicholas  Ide;  to  be  paid  by  the  whole  company 
of  purchasers. 

May  13th  1668.  The  town  made  an  agreement  with  Good- 
man Allen  that  he  is  to  have  the  twenty  acres  of  Meadow  that 
is  laid  out  by  Ensign  Smith  at  Sinecheticonet,  and  the  Mead- 
ow called  the  Parson's  Meadow,  and  all  that  is  within  his 
farm,  for  his  thirty  acres  of  meadow  that  he  purchased  of  Ma- 
jor Winslow— and  also  for  his  full  share  of  meadow  on  the 
North  Purchase. 

It  was  also  voted  that  the  rates  upon  the  North  side  of  the 
town  be  lowered,  and  part  taken  off,  that  is  to  say,  whereas 
the  lands  upon  the  N.  Purchase  paid  40  shillings  of  5  pounds 
in  all  rates,  that  now  the  said  lands  shall  pay  20  shillings  in  5 
pounds  until  the  town  see  cause  to  alter  it. 


*  Aow  Wilmartli. 


16 

May  26th  1668.  It  was  voted  that  John  Woodcock  shall 
have  the  meadow  upon  the  ten  mile  river  between  Capt.  Wil- 
let's  meadow  and  his  own  Meadow,  and  another  piece  that  the 
townsmen  shall  appoint  him  that  were  chosen  by  the  town  to 
acre  the  meadows  in  the  North  Purchase,  for  two  shares  of 
meadow  on  the  N.  Purchase. 

The  26th  of  May  1668,  lots  were  drawn  for  the  meadows  t 
in  the  North  Purchase. 

The  first  division  of  general  lands  was  granted  by  the  pro- 
prietors at  a  meeting  held  Feb.  9th  1668.  Lots  were  drawn 
for  this  division  March  18th,  1668-9.  The  previous  divisions 
had  been  confined  to  meadow  land. 

'At  a  town  meeting  lawfully  warned  Feb.  9th  1668,  it  was 
voted  that  there  should  be  Fifty  acres  of  upland  laid  out  on  the 
north  side  of  the  town  to  every  share,  speedily  ;  and  the  rest 
to  be  laid  out  with  as  much  conveniency  as  may  be.' 

It  was  voted  that  there  should  be  a  committee  chosen  to 
view  where  there  is  good  land  for  the  laying  out  of  a  division 
of  lands  on  the  north  purchase,  and  that  the  aforesaid  fifty 
acres  to  a  share  should  be  forthwith  laid  out,  and  then  lots  to 
be  drawn  by  the  aforesaid  purchasers  according  to  the  agree- 
ment. 

At  a  town  meeting  lawfully  warned  the  18th  of  March 
1668-9,  'It  was  voted  that  there  should  be  fifty  acres  of  land 
laid  out  to  a  share  on  the  North  purchased  lands.' 

It  was  also  provided  that  the  purchasers  should  draw  lots 
for  their  choice  ;  and  that  each  one  should  choose  his  lands  suc- 
cessively according  to  his  turn,  and  give  notice  to  the  next  in 
turn ;  and  that  if  any  neglect  or  refuse  to  make  choice  and 
lay  out  his  land  in  his  turn,  for  the  space  of  three  days,  after 
notice  given  him,  he  should  wait  until  all  others  had  made 
choice  in  regular  order. 

At  this  meeting  a  Committee  of  eight  were  chosen,  any  two 
of  whom  might  act,  to  see  that  these  rights  should  not  be  laid 
out  so  as  to  interfere  with  highways,  previous  divisions  of 
meadows,  or  other  lotments.     This  Committee  were  William. 


t  Granted  by  the  Ccurt  previous  to  the  purchase. 


17 


Sabin,  Nicholas  Peck,  Samuel  Newman,  James  Reddeway, 
Thomas  Willraott,  Samuel  Peck,  Lieut.  Hunt,  Joseph  Buck- 
land.  Nine  purchasers  entered  a  protest  against  the  manner 
of  laying  out  the  lands  by  choosing,  viz.  Capt.  Willett,  Mr. 
Myles,  Will.  Sabin,  Mr.  Brown,  Dea.  Cooper,  John  Miller, 
Sen.  John  Peren,  Sen.  George  Kendricke,  Will.  Carpenter. 

'The  Names  of  those  that  drew  for  a  Division  on  the  Nortb 
Purchase  18th  March  1668-9.' 

Robert  Joanes 

Will.  Buckland 

James  Gillson 

Israil  Peck 

A  nth.  Perry 

Eldad  Kingsley 

Tho.  Cooper  Jun. 

Mr.  Myles 

Richard  Bemis  Jr. 

John  Fitch 

Joseph  Carpenter 

Preserved  Abel 

John  Woodcock 

John  Allen  Sen. 

Nich.  Ide 

Capt.  Willet 

James  Reddeway 

Sam.  Newman 

Stephen  Paine  Sen. 

Jona.  Palmer 

Robert  Miller 

Tho.  Willmot 

Gilbert  Brooks 

Wid.   Carpenter 

Left.  Hunt 

Jaret  Ingraham 

Francis  Stephens 

Complaints  were  often  made  that  the  lands  in  the  N.  Pur- 
chase were  rated  or  assessed  too  high.  There  is  the  follow- 
ing record  on  this  subject. 

At  a  meeting  of  proprietors  of  the  North  Purchase  the  26th 
Aug.  1670,  it  was  voted  that  the  townsmen  should  choose  three 
men  to  discuss  and  also  to  end  any  difference  with  such  per- 


John  Titus 
Joseph  Buckland 
John  Ormsby 
Children's  Lands* 
Nathl.  Paine 
Goody  Hide 
Rice  Leonard 
John  Allin  Jun. 
Nicholas  Peck 
Ichabod  Miller  Jun. 
Robert  Wrheaton 
John  Doggett 
Deacon  Cooper 
Phillip  Walker 
Tho.  "Read 
Joseph  Peck 
John  Read  Sen. 
Jonathan  Bliss 
Roger  Amidowne 
Stephen  Paine  Jun. 
Thomas  and  Jacob 

Ormsby 
Richard  Bullock 
Daniel  Smith 
John  Kingsley 
Obadiah  Bowing 
John  Peren  Sen. 


John  Read  Jun. 
Mr.  Newman 
Rich.  Martin 
John  Butterworth 
George   Kendrick 
John  Lowell 
Thomas  Grant 
Mr.  Brown 
Nath.  Peck 
George  Robinson 
Jonathan  Fuller 
Jonathan  Bosworth 
Sam.  Peck 
Robert  Fuller 
Nath.  Paine,  Jr. 
Richard  Whittaker 
Sam.  Carpenter 
Edward  Hall 
Nicholas  Tanner 
John  Savage 
Will.  Saben 
Will.  Carpenter 
Sampson  Mason 
John  Peck 
Ben.  Buckland 
Hen.  Smith 
Sam.  Luther 


*  Children  of  Alexander  Winchester,  deceased. 


18 

fons  as  are  chosen  by  the  complainers  of  the  provisions  of  the 
Rates.  The  time  set  to  meet  was  this  day  s'en'nit  at  the 
meeting  house;  and  if  not  ended  to  attend  the  jiext  Court  at 
Plymouth  to  defend  and  answer  such  complaints  as  are  made 
against  the  rating  of  these  lands. 

A  mile  and  a  half  on  the  south  side  of  this  town  was  grant- 
ed to  Rehoboth  by  order  of  Court,  June  1668. 

June  1668.  This  Court  have  ordered  that  a  tract  of  land 
containing  a  mile  and  a  half  lying  on  the  North  side  of  the 
town  of  Rehoboth  is  allowed  to  be  the  proper  right  of  the  said 
township.  And  for  such  lands  as  are  lying  betwixt  the  Bay 
line  and  it  is  to  be  accounted  within  the  Constablerick  of  Re- 
hoboth, until  the  Court  shall  order  it  otherwise.  And  that  such 
farms  as  lyeth  within  the  said  liberties  shall  be  responsible  in 
point  of  rating  at  the  Colony's  disposal. —  Old  Col.  Rec. 

There  is  the  following  vote  concerning  this  tract  in  Reho- 
both Records. 

Nov.  8th  1670.  At  a  town  meeting  lawfully  warned  it  was 
voted  that  the  line  should  be  forthwith  run  between  the  North 
Purchase  and  the  Mile  and  a  half  given  to  the  town  for  enlarge- 
ment. 

The  Committee  were  Lieut.  Hunt  and  Ensign  Smith,  Nich- 
olas Peck  and  Will.  Carpenter. 

Committees  were  also  chosen  to  see  that  no  timber  on  the 
North  side  should  be  fallen  or  drawn  away.  Great  difficulty 
was  experienced  in  preventing  the  loss  of  timber  on  the  undi- 
vided lands. 

Dec.  26th  1670.  It  was  voted  that  there  should  be  a  town 
meeting  this  day  fortnight  about  10  of  the  clock  in  the  morn- 
ing, and  that  there  should  be  a  committee  chosen  to  draw  up 
such  propositions  as  they  think  will  be  most  expedient  for  the 
settling  of  the  differences  on  the  north  side  of  the  town  con- 
cerning those  lands,  considering  that  all  the  purchasers  of  the 
land  have  not  yet  given  them,  Mr.  Brown  engaging  to  give  no- 
tice to  all  the  proprietors  of  those  lands  that  dwell  at  Swan- 
sea; and  that  these  propositions  be  tendered  at  the  said  town 
meeting,  that  if  it  were  the  will  of  God,  there  might  be  a 
unanimous  agreement.     The  committee   chosen  were  Lieut. 


19 

Hunt,  Ensign  Smith,  Nathaniel  Paine,  Nicholas  Peck  and  An- 
thony  Perry. 

Nov.  23d  1670.  A  committee  was  chosen  to  meet  the 
Treasurer  of  Taunton  to  settle  the  bounds  between  the  North 
Purchase  and  Taunton  North  Purchase.  Committee  were 
Ensign  Smith,  Wim.  Sabin,  Wm.  Carpenter. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Proprietors,  May  28th  1672,  It  was  vo- 
ted, that  for  the  comfortable  and  peaceable  settlement  of  the 
lands  and  meadows  on  the  North  side  of  the  town  ; — whereas 
there  has  been  great  dissatisfaction  in  respect  of  the  unequal 
division  of  meadows; — and,  forasmuch  as  there  was  a  Com- 
mittee chosen  in  the  year  1663  for  the  bounding  of  the  mead- 
ows betwixt  the  Tens  ; — there  shall  be  a  new  committee  add- 
ed to  them,  to  make  diligent  search  and  take  a  deliberate  view 
of  the  meadows  and  swamps  within  all  the  several  Tens,  with 
power  to  add  to  those  Tens  wThich  needed  amendment,  and 
bound  them  all;  and' also  to  redress  any  grievance  which  any 
particular  person  suffers.  This  order  is  not  to  take  place  till 
after  six  months.  It  was  provided  that  the  said  committee 
should  bound  all  the  Tens  before  any  more  upland  lots  are 
laid  out,  if  they  do  it  within  two  months. 

At  a  meeting  of  Purchasers  Feb.  18th  1684,  it  was  voted 
that  there  should  be  a  division  of  fifty  acres  to  a  share  in  the 
North  Purchase ;  Wm.  Carpenter  was  chosen  Surveyor  to  lay 
it  out.  Voted  that  there  should  be  a  meeting  of  the  Purchas- 
ers to  draw  lots  for  said  Division  the  last  Tuesday  of  June 
next  ensuing.  Accordingly  at  a  meeting  held  June  29th  1685 
lots  were  drawn  for  said  fifty  acres  of  upland  among  83  per* 
sons. 

At  a  Proprietor's  Meeting  Oct.  3lst  1699,  it  was  voted  that 
there  should  be  two  divisions  of  lands  in  the  North  Purchase 
forthwith  laid  out  to  the  said  proprietors  according  to  their 
rights  in  said  lands,  i.  e.  fifty  acres  to  a  whole  share  in  both 
divisions,  viz:  25  acres  to  the  first  division,  and  25  acres  to 
the  second  division  ;  and  he  that  is  first  in  the  first  division 
shall  be  last  in  the  second  division,  and  so  on. 

At  their  next  meeting  Nov.  7th   1699,  the  proprietors  dre-w 


10 

lots  for  the  new  division.      They  had  increased  at  this  time  to 
133  in  number. 

In  the  year  1694  the  inhabitants  of  the  North  Purchase 
were  incoiporated  into  a  township  by  an  Act  of  the  General 
Court  of  Massachusetts.  * 

The  following  is  the  Act  of  Incorporation, 
AN  ACT  for  granting  a  township  within  the  County  of  Bris- 
tol to  be  called  Attleborough. 

Whereas  there  is  a  certain  tract  of  land  commonly  known 
by  the  name  of  North  Purchase,  lying  within  the  County  of 
Bristol,  containing  in  length  about  ten  miles  from  Patucket 
River  to  the  bounds  of  Taunton,  f  and  extending  about  eight 
miles  in  breadth  from  the  line  or  boundary  betwixt  the  two 
late  Colonies  of  Massachusetts  and  Plymouth,  to  the  bounds  of 
the  town  of  Rehoboth ;  being  a  convenient  tract  for  a  town- 
ship, and  more  than  thirty  families  already  settled  thereupon  ; 
For  the  better  encouragement  and  settlement  of  said  Planta- 
tion: 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Governor,  Council,  and  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  assembled,  and  by  the  authority  of  the 
same,  That  henceforth  the  said  tract  of  land  as  above  de- 
scribed, and  bounded  by  the  township  of  Taunton  and  Reho- 
both, (no  way  to  intrench  upon  either  of  their  rights)  be  and 
shall  be  a  township,  and  called  by  the  name  of  Attleborough  ; 
and  shall  have  and  enjoy  all  such  immunities,  privileges,  and 
powers,  as  generally  other  townships  within  this  Province  have 
and  do  enjoy. 


*  Previous  to  this  the  N.  Purchase  was  within  the  jurist!  iction,  but  not 
within  the  chartered  limits  of  Rehoboth.  The  inhabitants  were  subjected 
to  the  municipal  authority,  and  had  all  the  rights  of  freemen  of  that  town. 
It  was,  properly,  a  plantation  of  Rehoboth.  It  was  oidered  by  Plymouth 
Court  to  be  within  the  jurisdiction  of  that  town  until  it  should  be  incorpo- 
rated July  5th  1671.  'The  Court  have  ordered  that  the  North  Purchase 
(so  called)  shall  lie  unto  the  town  of  Rehoboth,  until  it  comes  to  be  a 
township;  and  in  the  mean  time  to  bear  the  seventh  part  of  all  the  rates 
that  shall  be  levied  for  the  public  charges  of  that  town  ;  and  when  the  said 
Purchase  shall  become  a  Township  by  itself,  then  the  said  township  of  Re* 
boboth  to  be  eased  in  their  rates.' — Old  Col.  Records. 

t  Taunton  North  Purchase. 


21 

Provided,  That  it  be  not  in  prejudice  of  any  former  grant. 
Provided  also,  That  the  Inhabitants  of  the  said  place  do 
continue  under  the  power  and  discretion  of  the  Selectmen, 
Assessors,  and  Constables  of  Rehoboth  (whereunto  they  were 
formerly  annexed)  as  well  refering  to  any  assessments  and  ar- 
rears thereof,  as  all  other  things  proper  to  the  duty  of  Select- 
men, Assessors  and  Constables,  respectively;  until  they  are 
supplied  with  such  officers  among  themselves,  according  to  the 
directions  in  the  law  in  that  case  made  and  provided. 

The  boundaries  described  in  the  preceding  Act  included 
the  present  town  of  Attleborough  and  Cumberland,  R.  I.  em- 
bracing a  very  extensive  tract  of  land.  The  number  of  inhab- 
itants at  this  time  could  not  much  exceed  a  hundred  and 
eighty.  They  were  mostly  settled  in  the  Southerly  and  Wes- 
terly parts  of  the  town.  These  families  were  scattered  over  a 
considerable  space ;  many  had  been  here  from  an  early  peri- 
od.    Of  the  early  settlements  more  will  be  said  hereafter. 

The  country  was  then  mostly  covered  with  forests,  inter- 
spersed however  with  a  good  supply  of  natural  meadow,  which 
was  then  considered  the  most  valuable  kind  of  land. 

The  inhabitants  increased  rapidly,  and  soon  penetrated  into 
various  parts  of  the  town. 

A  few  extracts  from  the  early  records  of  the  town,  illustra- 
ting the  character  of  the  times,  will  be  interesting  to  the  pres- 
ent generation. 

The  first  town  meeting  on  record  appears  to  have  been  held 
May  11th  1696,  two  years  after  the  incorporation.  *  At  this 
meeting  the  town  chose  Mr.  John  Woodcock  and  Mr.  John 
Rogers  late  of  Bristol  as  agents  *'to  manage  our  concerns  in 
matters  relating  to  that  part  of  our  township  commonly  called 
the  Mile  and  Half,  according  to  our  petition  and  other  copies 
which  are  in  the  hands  of  Mr.  Henry  Derens  Clerk  to  the 
House  of  Representatives,  and  did  further  appoint  and  impow- 
er  Mr.  John  Woodcock  to  agree  with  and  impower  said  Mr. 
Rogers  and  take  care  to  help  him  to  such  papers  as  may  most 

*  There  must,  however,  have  been  a  previous  meeting  and  a  choice  of  offi- 
cers— of  which  no  record  is  preserved. 
4 


concern  our  business,  for  the  promoting  of  matters  relating  to 
our  township." 

At  the  same  meeting  three  Assessors  were  chosen  for  the  en- 
suing year,  viz.  Israil  Woodcock,  Thomas  Tingley  and  Samu- 
el Titus. 

The  next  town  meeting  was  held  Nov.  23d  1696,  at  which 
the  town  authorized  the  Selectmen  to  make  a  Rate  for  paying 
the  town's  debts,  which  amounted  to  £.5.  15  s.  Id.  At  the 
same  time  several  individuals  engaged  to  pay  certain  sums  'by 
way  of  free  gift  towards  the  building  of  a  Meeting  House,'  and 
desired  their  names  and  sums  might  be  entered  accordingly. 

£.  s.  £.    5. 

Mr.  John  Woodcock  -  1.  00.         Thomas  Woodcock  -  0.    10. 

John  Lane 1.  00.         George  Robinson  -  -  1.   00. 

Israil  Woodcock  -  0.  10.         David  Freeman 1.   00. 

March  22d  1696 — 7.  The  town  'taking  into  consideration 
who  are  by  law  allowed  to  vote  in  town  meetings,  and  finding 
so  few  allowed  to  vote,  ordered  that  'all  the  inhabitants  and 
town  Dwellers'  should  have  a  right  to  vote  in  said  meetings. — 
At  this  time  town  officers  were  chosen  for  the  year  ensuing, 
viz.  'Mr.  John  Woodcock,  Anthony  Sprague,  Daniel  Jenks, 
Jonathan  Fuller,  Thomas  Tingley,  Selectmen ;  Anthony 
Sprague,  town  Clerk  ;  Israil  Woodcock,  Constable  ;  Nicho- 
las Ide  and  Joseph  Cowel,  Surveyors  ;  Henry  Sweet,  Tithing- 
man;  Thomas  Tingley  and  Samuel  Titus,  Fence  viewers; 
John  Woodcock,  Anthony  Sprague  and  Daniel  Jenks,  Asses- 
sors ;  John  Lane,  Grand  juryman  ;  Benjamin  Force  for  the 
Jury  of  trials  in  April  next  at  the  Quarter  Sessions  at  Bristol.' 

May  10,  1697.  At  a  town  meeting  for  the  choice  of  an  'As- 
sembly man  for  the  Great  and  General  Court'  the  inhabitants 
voted  not  to  send  a  man  'by  reason  the  town  was  excused  by 
law.' 

July  12th  1697.  The  town  voted  to  have  a  Pound  made  ac- 
cording to  law  upon  a  piece  of  undivided  land  between  the 
lands  of  Daniel  Shepperson  and  James  Jillson  near  the  Bay 
Road. 

The  inhabitants  were  often  disturbed  by  Indians  and  others 
hunting  and  strolling  about  the  town  and  insulting  the  inhab- 


23 

itants.     In  relation  to  these  disturbances  the  town  passed  the 
following  orders : 

Jan'y.  31st  1697  or  8.  At  a  town  meeting  legally  warned 
for  the  making  of 'some  town  orders  or  by-laws  touching  per- 
sons disorderly  coming  into  town  who  have  no  rights  or  lands 
in  the  same  but  are  strangers  and  foreigners,'  the  town  passed 
the  following  orders :  'It  is  ordered  by  the  inhabitants  of  At- 
tleborough  and  voted  in  said  meeting,  that  no  person  that  is  a 
stranger  shall  be  received  as  an  inhabitant  without  the  consent 
or  approbation  of  said  town,  or  sufficient  security  given  to 
the  town  by  him  or  them  that  shall  take  in  or  harbor  any 
person  contrary  to  this  order ;  moreover,  the  Selectmen  are 
appointed  to  take  due  care  and  sufficient  security,  in  the  be- 
half of  the  town,  of  and  for  all  such  persons  as  shall  receive 
in  or  harbor  any  stranger  or  foreigner;  or  to  give  order  and 
warning  to  such  stranger  or  foreigner  to  depart  the  town,  ac- 
cording as  the  law  directs,  and  that  with  all  convenient  speed 
after  knowledge  or  notice  given  of  the  same  ;  so  observing 
from  time  to  time  that  the  town  be  not  charged  with  unneces- 
sary charges.' 

2d.  'The  second  order  or  by-Law  was  touching  Indian  for- 
eigners and  strangers  that  have  been  complained  of  for  uncivil 
carriages  and  behaviour  towards  some  of  the  inhabitants  of  this 
town,  for  the  prevention  of  which  the  inhabitants  being  desired 
to  give  their  advice,  by  joint  consent  have  voted  and  passed 
this  Act,  That  no  foreign  Indian  or  stranger  should  be  allow- 
ed to  come  into  town  being  armed  under  hunting  pretences 
nor  suffered  in  the  same  to  abide  in  drinkings  and  shootings 
at  unseasonable  times  of  night  and  threatenings  to  several  per- 
sons, which  is  contrary  to  the  law  of  this  Province,  and  dis- 
turbing to  several  of  this  town  ;  neither  is  any  person  or  per- 
sons whatsoever  within  this  town  allowed  to  take  in  or  harbor 
Indian  or  Indians  armed  other  than  such  as  hath  been  allowed 
or  shall  be  allowed,  without  the  unanimous  consent  of  the  in- 
habitants, at  any  time  hereafter,  but  every  person  or  persons, 
transgressing  against  this  order  or  by-law,  shall  pay  a  fine  of 
five  shillings,  each  day,  for  the  use  of  the  poor  of  this  town  for 
every  such  offenee.' 


24 

March  4th  1699  or  1700,  in  town  meeting  Daniel  Shepper- 
son  gave  a  piece  of  ground  to  set  a  Pound  on  'at  a  place  com- 
monly known  and  called  Red  Rock  Hill  by  the  road-side  by  a 
pine  tree,  which  pound  is  to  be  built  30  feet  square  and  fin- 
ished by  the  last  of  June  1700.' 

May  13th  1700.  Voted  not  to  send  a  Representative  for 
the  same  reason  that  was  assigned  at  the  first  meeting. 

March  25th  1701.  In  town  meeting  voted  and  appointed  a 
'Training  place  to  be  on  the  South  side  of  David  Freeman's 
house,  between  the  two  ways,  viz.  the  Bay  road  and  the  road 
that  leadeth  to  Nicholas  Ide's  house.'  At  the  same  time  the 
town  'did  by  major  vote  appoint  the  last  Tuesday  in  March  at 
9  o'clock  A.  M.  to  be  their  Election  Day  annually  for  choosing 
town  officers  according  to  law,  without  any  further  warning, 
so  to  continue  till  further  order.' 

Feb.  9th  1702—3.  It  was  voted  that  Ensign  Nicholas  Ide 
and  Anthony  Sprague  with  the  Selectmen  be  a  Committee  to 
agree  in  behalf  of  our  town  concerning  the  lines  and  bounds 
between  Attleborough,  Dorchester,  and  Wrentham.  It  was 
also  voted  that  the  Selectmen  should  make  a  town  Rate  for  the 
payment  of  town  debts,  and  that  a  quarter  part  of  said  rate  be 
levied  upon  the  polls,  and  the  rest  upon  the  estates ;  and  that 
said  rate  shall  be  paid  in  Indian  corn  at  2  s.  6  d.  per  bushel, 
©r  rye  at  3  5.  6  d.  per  bushel,  or  oats  at  1  s.  6d.  per  bushel,  or 
in  money. 

May  14th  1703.  Voted  not  to  send  a  representative  by  rea- 
son they  were  so  few  in  number  and  excused  by  law. 

The  first  inhabitant  within  the  original  limits  of  Attlebo- 
rough was  the  celebrated  William  Blackstone,  who  was  also 
the  first  settler  and  sole  proprietor  of  Shawmut,  now  the  beau- 
tiful city  of  Boston.  Every  thing  relating  to  the  life  of  this 
singular  man  must  be  interesting,  not  only  to  the  people  of 
this  town,  but  to  all  who  feel  an  interest  in  the  ancient  history 
of  the  Colonies. 

He  came  to  this  country  from  England  about  the  year  1625, 
and  settled  first  at  Boston  the  Indian  name  of  which  was 
Shatvmut.  Here  he  remained  alone,  until  the  arrival  of  Gov- 
ernor Winthrop's  company,  in  June  1630.     They  at  first  lo~ 


25 

catell  themselves  at  Charlestown;  but  finding  the  water  bad, 
and  '  liking  that  plain  neck  that  was  then  called  Blackstone's 
Neck,'*  they  soon  removed,  by   invitation,  to  the  peninsula, 
where  they  found  a  good  spring  of  water.     Mr.  Blackstone 
had  been,  in  England,  a  clergyman  of  the  established  church. 
But  he  lived  in   an  age  of  religious  bigotry,  intolerance,  and 
persecution  ;  and  "  not  being  able,"  as  he  said,  "to  endure  the 
power   of  the   Lords  Bishops,"   he  left  his  native   land  and 
sought  an  asylum  in  the  wilds  of  America,  where  he  might  en- 
joy his  own  opinions  unmolested.     After  residing  a  few  years 
with  the  new  settlers  of  Shawmut,  he  found  the   same  intole- 
rant and  overbearing  spirit  among  his  new  associates ;  and 
becoming  "  discontented  with  the  power  of  the  Lords  Breth- 
ren," he  was  compelled  to  seek  another  retreat.     In  1634,  he 
sold  his  right  and   title  in  the  peninsula  to  the  inhabitants  of 
Boston,  each  one  paying  him  six  shillings,  and  some  of  them, 
more.     A  reservation  was  made  for  him   of  about  six  acres 
where  his  house  stood. 

The  Peninsula  of  Boston  was  then  called  Blackstone's  Neck, 
the  whole  of  which  he  claimed  as  his  property  ;  and  this  claim 
was  recognized  by  the  new  settlers.  With  the  purchase  mon- 
ey he  bought  a  ■  stock  of  cows,'  which  he  carried  with  him  to 
his  new  settlement  on  the  banks  of  the  Pawtucket  river. 

The  following  document,  quoted  in  Shaw's  History  of  Bos- 
ton, gives  some  of  the  particulars  of  this  purchase. 

1  The  deposition  of  John  Odlyn,  aged  about  82  years  ;  Rob- 
ert Walker,  aged  about  78  years  ;  Francis  Hudson,  aged  about 
66  years  ;  and  William  Lytherland,  aged  76  years. — These 
deponents  being  antient  dwellers  and  inhabitants  of  the  town 
of  Boston,  from  the  time  of  the  first  planting  thereof,  do  joint- 
ly testify  and  depose,  that  in  or  about  the  year  of  our  Lord 
sixteen  hundred  and  thirty  four,  the  then  present  inhabitants  of 
said  town,  (of  whom  the  Hon.  John  Winthrop,  Esq.  Governor 
of  the  Colony,  was  chiefe,)  did  treate  and  agree  with  Mr.  Wil- 
liam Blackstone  for  the  purchase  of  his  estate  and  right  in  any 
lands  lying  within  the  said  neck  of  land,  called  Boston,  and 


*  Capt.  Clap,  May  1630. 


26 

for  said  purchase  agreed  that  every  householder  should  pay 
six  shillings,  which  was  accordingly  collected— none  paying 
less,  some  considerably  more  ;  and  the  said  sum  was  paid  to 
Mr.  Blackstone,  to  his  full  content.  Reserving  unto  himself 
about  six  acres  of  land  on  the  point,  commonly  called  Black- 
stone's  Point,  on  part  whereof  his  then  dwelling-house  stood. 
After  which  purchase,  the  town  laid  out  a  place  for  a  Training 
Field,  which  ever  since,  and  now  is  used  for  that  purpose,  and 
for  the  feeding  of  cattle  :  Walker  and  Lytherland  further  tes- 
tify, that  Mr.  Blackstone  bought  a  stock  of  cowes  with  the 
money  he  received,  and  removed  near  Providence,  where  he 
lived  till  the  day  of  his  death.'  Sworn  to  the  10th  of  June, 
1684,  before  S.  Bradstreet,  Governor,  and  Samuel  Sevvall, 
Assistant. 

Mr.  Blackstone  received  <£30  for  his  right  to  the  Peninsula, 
as  appears  by  the  following  record.  The  *  10th  day  of  the  9 
mo.  1634,'  Voted  that  a  rate  be  made,  viz.  '  a  rate  for  £30  to 
Mr.  Blackstone.'* 

In  1635,  he  removed  to  another  retreat,  still  farther  in  the 
wilderness, — beyond  the  tyranny  of  man.  This  place  was  on 
the  banks  of  Pawtucket  river  which  now  bears  his  name,  and 
was  within  the  ancient  limits  of  Attleborough,  in  that  part  cal- 
led the  Gore,  now  Cumberland,  R.  I.  This  was  about  ten 
years  before  the  settlement  of  Rehoboth  and  a  few  years  be- 
fore that  of  Providence.  In  this  solitary  retreat  he  built  his 
house,  cultivated  his  garden  and  planted  his  orchard.  His 
house  and  garden  he  surrounded  with  a  park,  which  was  his 
daily  walk.  His  residence  was  on  a  hill  near  the  Blackstone 
river  ;  and  his  orchard,  just  east  of  the  hill.  Here  he  remain- 
ed for  many  years  in  entire  seclusion  from  the  world,— here 
was  none  to  disturb  his  lonely  retreat.  He  was  furnished  with 
a  library ;  and  nature  and  study  charmed  his  solitary  hours. 
He  thus  seated  himself,  for  life,  in  peaceful  solitude  on  the 
banks  of  the   Blackstone. 


*  Reckoning  March  the  1st  month,  this  assessment  was  made  in  Decem- 
ber— the  purchase,  of  course,  was  made  previous  to  this  date;  and  Black- 
stone, in  all  probability,  removed  early  in  the  subsequent  spring. 


27 

His  house  he  called  *  Study  Hall,'  and  the  eminence,  on 
which  it  was  built,  was  named  *  Study  Hill,' — which  name  it 
still  retains.  This  place*  is  about  three  miles  above  Pawtuck- 
et  village,  where  the  late  Col.  Simon  Whipple  resided.  The 
Indian  name  of  the  place  was  Wawepoonseag.  This  name  is 
mentioned  in  the  Plymouth  Records  in  describing  the  bounda- 
ries of  the  North  Purchase  in  1661 — '  From  Rehoboth  ranging 
upon  Patucket  River,  to  a  place  called  by  the  natives  Waice- 
poonseagif  where  one  Blackstone  now  sojourneth.' 

During  his  residence  here,  in  1659,  Mr.  Blackstone  married 
the  widow  Sarah  Stevenson. J  She  died  about  the  middle  of 
June,  1673.§  He  survived  his  wife  only  about  two  years,  and 
died  May  26th,  1675, |  a  few  weeks  before  the  commencement 
of  the  great  Indian  War,  thus  having  escaped  witnessing  the 
horrors  of  that  awful  period,  and  the  complete  destruction 
which  awaited  his  '  fair  domain.'  He  had  lived  in  New  Eng- 
land about  fifty  years,  nearly  ten  years  at  Shaiomut  (now  Bos- 
ton) and  forty  at  this  place.  He  must  have  been  quite  advan- 
ced at  the  time  of  his  death— probably  not  far  from  eighty. 

*  His  title  to  the  lands  which  he  occupied  was  respected  by  the  Plymouth 
Government,  who  ordered  them  recorded  to  him. 

*  March  5th,  1671.  Mr.  Stephen  Paine,  Sen.  of  Rehoboth,  and  Mr. 
Nicholas  Tanner  were  appointed  by  the  Court  to  see  Mr.  Blackstone's 
land  laid  forth  according  to  the  grant.' — Old  Col.Rec. 

His  estate  consisted  of  about  200  acres. 

t  This  is  supposed  by  a  writer  in  the  Mass.  His.  Coll.  to  be  properly  the 
name  of  a  brook,  now  called  Abbott's  Run,  which  enters  the  river  not  far 
from  Mr.  Blackstone's  residence. 

J »  Mr.  William  Blackstone  was  married  to  Sarah  Stevenson,  widow,  the 
4th  of  July,  1659,  by  John  Endicott,  Governor.'— Town  Records  of  Boston, 
She  was  the  widow  of  John  Stevenson  of  Boston,  who  had,  by  her,  at  least 
three  children— Onesimus,  born  26th  10th  mo.  1643;  John,'born  —  7th  mo. 
1645  ;  and  James,  born  Oct.  1st,  1653.  His  second  son,  John  Stevenson, 
lived  with  his  mother  after  her  marriage  with  Mr.  Blackstone,  and,  after 
their  decease,  continued  at  the  same  place  during  the  remainder  of  his'  life. 

$  '  Mr?.  Sarah  Blackstone  the  wife  of  Mr.  William  Blaxsion^  was  buried 
about  the  middle  of  June,  1673.'— Rehoboth  Records. 

Many  of  the  ancient  records  mention  the  day  of  the  burial,  but  not  of 
the  deaths  of  persons. 

4  *  Mr.  William  Blackston  buried  the  28th  of  May,  1765.*—**. 


28 

Around  him  was  still  a  wilderness  when  death  snatched  him 
from  the  sylvan  retreat  which  he  loved ;  but,  (though  the  foot- 
steps of  men  were  fast  approaching,)  how  would  he  be  aston- 
ished to  behold  the  region  around  it  (the  place  which  he  once 
thought  secure  from  the  haunt  of  men)  now  swarming  with  an 
industrious  and  thriving  population  !  How  would  he  grieve  to 
find  the  stream,  whose  placid  waters  as  they  flowed  by  his 
dwelling  he  delighted  to  contemplate,  now  interrupted  by  nu- 
merous water-works,  and  the  silence  which  then  reigned  around 
him,  now  disturbed  by  the  buzz  of  thousands  of  spindles  !  To 
what  ignoble  purposes  is  his  classic  stream  now  devoted  ! — 
What  a  contrast !  It  is  a  change  which  the  peace-loving  spirit 
of  Blackstone  could  not  endure.  To  enjoy  that  solitude  which 
was  congenial  to  his  taste,  he  would  now  be  compelled  to  seek 
a  new  abode  beyond  the  banks  of  the  Mississippi. 

Blackstone  was  by  no  means  a  misanthrope,  but  a  man  of 
natural  benevolence,  who  took  this  mode  of  indulging  his  love 
for  solitude,  and  securing  the  unrestrained  enjoyment  of  his 
own  sentiments.  He  did  not  shun  man  because  he  hated  him, 
but  because  he  loved  solitude  more  than  society.  He  was  fond 
of  study  and  contemplation,  and  here  he  could  enjoy  both. 
Possessing  an  independent  and  original  mind,  he  could  not 
brook  the  dogmatical  and  persecuting  spirit  of  the  age  ;  and  to 
escape  from  its  influence  he  fled  to  the  wilds  of  America. 

He  was  not  idle,  though  in  solitude.  He  cultivated  his  gar- 
den and  reared  his  orchard  with  his  own  hands ;  and  is  said 
to  have  been  devoted  to  his  books. — Though  meditative  in  his 
habits, — yet  cheerful  in  disposition.  He  was  acquainted  with 
Roger  Williams,  the  father  of  Rhode  Island— a  kindred  spir- 
it ; — and  frequently  went  to  visit  him,  and  occasionally 
preached  at  Providence  and  the  neighboring  towns. 

He  was  a  man  of  great  eccentricity ;  and  often  exhibited  in 
his  conduct  the  most  ludicrous  oddities.  Among  other  anec- 
dotes, it  is  related  of  him  that  he  had  tamed  a  bull,  (to  supply 
the  place  of  a  horse,)  on  which  he  used  to  ride  into  Providence 
to  visit  his  friends.  •  He  was  also  remarkable,'  says  Mr.  Bay- 
lies, *  '  for  his  love  of  children.' 

*  Memoirs  of  Plymouth  Colony, — which  is  a  work  of  great  interest — em- 
bodying a  large  amount  of  historical  information  on  the  Old  Colony. 


29 

At  a  late  centennial  celebration  in  Boston,  under  the  direc- 
tion of  the  Mass.  His.  Society,  a  present  of  apples  was  sent  to 
their  table  from  Cumberland,  said  to  have  grown  on  the  trees 
which  grew  from  the  sprouts  of  those  in  Blackstone's  orchard. 
Some  of  the  trees  planted  by  his  own  hands  were  living  a  hun- 
dred and  forty  years  after  they  were  set  out. 

He  left  one  son  John  Blackstone,  who,  it  is  supposed,  'set- 
tled somewhere  near  New  Haven.'  Of  him  history  says  little 
or  nothing.  But  by  diligent  research  I  have  ascertained  a  few 
particulars. 

He  was  a  minor  when  his  father  died,  and  had  guardians  ap- 
pointed by  the  Court,  f  He  lived  on  his  inheritance  till  1692 
when  he  sold  his  lands  to  David  Whipple, J  and  soon  after  re- 
moved to  Providence,  and,  for  a  while,  contented  himself  with 
the  humble  occupation  of  a  shoemaker.  There, §  it  is  proba- 
able,  he  mariied  his  wife  Katharine,  and  continued  to  reside 
till  1718,  when  he  returned  to  Attleborough,  and,  with  his 
wife,  was  legally  warned  out  of  town,  fl  He  is  presumed  to 
be  the  person  mentioned  in  the  records,  as  no  other  of  that 
name  has  been  known  in  this  part  of  the  country.     It  is  gen- 

t*  June  1st  1675.  Lieut.  Hunt,  Ensign  Smith  and  Mr.  Daniel  Smith  are 
appointed  and  authorized  by  the  Court  to  take  seme  present  care  of  the  es- 
tate of  Mr.  William  Blackstone  deceased,  and  of  his  son  now  left  by  him  ; 
and  to  see  that  the  next  Court  he  do  propose  a  man  to  the  Court  to  be  his 
guardian;  which  in  case  he  do  neglect,  the  Court  will  then  see  cause  to 
make  choice  of  one  for  him. ' — Old  Col.  Rec. 

•  Oct.  27th  1675.  Mr.  Nathaniel  Paine  and  Mr.  Daniel  Smith  are  ap- 
pointed and  approved  by  the  Court,  to  be  guardians  unto  John  Blackstone, 
the  son  of  Mr.  William  Blackstone  deceased.7 — ib. 

$  The  original  Deeds,  with  John  Blackstone's  signature,  are  still  in  exis- 
tence, and  are  in  the  possession  of  Mr.  John  Whipple  of  Cumberland.  The 
first  is  dated  Sept.  10th  1692.  He  spells  his  name  Blaxlon,  which  was  un- 
doubtedly, at  the  time,  the  true  orthography. 

$  There  is  no  record  of  his  marriage  in  this  town. 

%  For  what  cause  does  not   appear,  but  may  be  conjectured.     He  had 
probably  squandered   his  property,  for,  tradition  says,  he  inheriud    but  a 
imall  share  of  his  father's  prudence. 
5 


so 

erally  supposed  by  historians  that  the  family  is  now  extinct. — 
But  it  is  not  certain,  however,  (though  probable)  that  the  blood 
of  Blackstone  'runs  not  in  the  viens  of  a  single  human  being.' 
There  is  some  reason  to  believe  that  his  son  emigrated  to  Con- 
necticut, and  settled  on  a  neck  of  land,  not  far  from  New  Ha- 
ven, where,  it  is  possible,  some  of  his  posterity  may  exist  in 
the  female  line.  I  have  been  informed  that  there  was  a  family 
of  that  name  who  lived  there  in  seclusion  for  many  years. 

His  son-in-law  John  Stevenson  came  with  his  mother  when 
she  married  Mr.  Blackstone,  being  about  14  years  old,  and 
lived  with  them  till  their  death.*  He  came  into  possession  of 
a  part  of  his  father-in-law's  estate,  as  appears  by  the  following 
order  of  Plymouth  Court,  passed  June  10th  1675,  about  two 
weeks  after  Blackstone's  decease. 

'  Whereas  the  Court  is  informed  that  one  whose  name  is 
John  Stevenson,  son-in-law  to  Mr.  William  Blackstone,  late 
deceased,  was  very  helpful  to  his  father  and  mother  in  their 
life-time,  without  whom  they  could  not  have  subsisted  as  to  a 
good  help  and  instrument  thereof,  and  he  is  now  left  in  a  low 
and  mean  condition,  and  never  was  in  any  measure  recom- 
pensed for  his  good  service  aforesaid,  and  if,  (as  it  is  said  at 
least)  his  father-in-law  engaged  to  his  mother  at  his  marriage 
with  her,  that  he  should  be  considered  with  a  competency  of 
land  out  of  the  said  Blackstone's  land  then  lived  on,  which 
hath  never  yet  been  performed ;  and  forasmuch  as  the  person- 
al estate  of  the  said  William  Blackstone  is  so  small  and  incon- 
siderable, that  he  the  said  Stephenson  cannot  be  relieved  out 
of  it;  this  Court,  therefore,  in  consideration  of  the  premises, 
do  order  and  dispose  fifty  acres  of  land  unto  the  said  John 
Stevenson,  out  of  the  lands  of  the  said  William  Blackstone, 
and  five  acres  of  meadow,  to  be  laid  out  unto  him  by  Ensign 
Henry  Smith,  and  Mr.  Daniel  Smith  and  Mr.  Nathaniel  Paine, 
according  as  they  shall  think  meet,  so  as  it  may  be  most  commo- 
dious to  him  or  as  little  prejudicial  to  the  seat  of  Mr.  William 


*  There  is  an  error  in  a  short  sketch  of  Mr.  Blackstone  in  the  Mass.  His. 
Coll.  where  it  is  said  that  he  left  two  children,  a  sou.  *  and  a  daughter  mar- 
ried to  John  Stephenson.1  The  latter,  as  already  mentioned,  was  the  son  of 
his  wife  by  her  first  husband. 


31 

Blackstone  as  may  be.     By  order  of  the  Court  for  the   Juris- 
diction of  New  Plymouth.'*— Old  Col  Rec. 


*  The  bounds  of  this  grant  are  recorded  in  the  Records  of  the  North  Pur- 
chase, Book  1st  p.  47.  Extracts  are  made  for  the  gratification  of  those  who 
may  wish  to  know  the  situation  of  his  lands. 

*  Imp.  Fifty  acres  of  upland  lying  upon  Patucket  River,  most  of  it  upon 
the  South  Neck,  being  partof  that  land  that  was  left  for  Mr.  William  Black- 
stone  and  granted  by  the  Court  to  John  Stevenson :  bounded  to  the  east- 
ward the  land  of  John  Fitch  and  the  Common;  westerly,  Patucket  River, 
and  Southerly  ;  to  the  northward,  the  land  of  John  Blackstone;  it  being 
106  rods  long.' 

The  five  acre  lot  of  meadow  mentioned  in  the  grant  is  also  recorded  as 
laid  out  by  the  Commissioners. 

1st.  Two  acres  of  meadow  adjoining  to  the  said  lands  lying  in  two  pieces  ; 
one  piece  within  the  former  tract  of  land,  and  the  other  by  the  river  side 
upon  the  Southernmost  end  of  it. 

2d.  '  Three  acres  of  fresh  meadow  lying  at  the  northeast  corner  of  the 
meadow  commonly  known  by  the  name  of  Blackstone's  Great  Meadow,:}: 
from  a  white  oak  tree  marked,  and  so  through  the  breadth  of  the  meadow  to 
the  Run,  the  Run  bounding  it  to  the  northards ;  westward,  the  meadbw  of 
John  Blackstone  :  eastward,  the  swamp;   southward,  the  upland.' 

There  is  another  tract  which  he  probably  purchased.  '  Fifty  acres  of 
upland,  more  or  less,  bounded  east  the  land  of  Ensign  Nich.  Peck  and  Rob# 
Miller ;  north,  the  land  of  Sam.  Carpenter ;  west,  a  highway  four  rods  wide 
(between  John  Blackstone's  land  and  this  lot)  and  a  little  piece  of  common 
land  ;  south,  coming  near  John  Fitch's  grave,  to  the  Common. 

There  is  to  be  taken  out  of  this  lot  a  highway  2  rods  wide  next  to  Sam. 
Carpenter's  land  to  meet  with  the  highway  at  the  east  end  of  said  Carpen- 
ter's lot.' 

Likewise  10  acres  of  land,  allowed  to  John  Stevenson  by  the  king's  jury, 
for  land  for  highways,  taken  out  of  his  land,  lying  on  the  southerly  side  of 
Abbott's  Run,  &c. 

Another  record  of  land  commences  thus:  l Likewise  two  acres  of  land 
that  I  took  up  adjoining  to  my  own  land,  at  the  southerly  end  of  it,  which 
I  had  in  exchange  with  my  brother  John  Blackstone,  &e. 

To  gratify  the  curious,  the  boundaries  of  John  Blackstone's  lands  are  ad- 
ded, by  which  the  precise  location  of  his  father's  estate  may  be  ascertained. 

Imp.  A  hundred  and  fifty  acres  of  upland,  swamp,  and  meadow  ground, 
more  or  less,  containing  the  West  Plain  (commonly  so  called)  and  land  ad- 
jacent; bounded,  to  the  northward,  the  land  of  Isaac  Allen  ;  to  the  south* 


|  Often  called  in  the  Records  The  Parson's  Meadow. 


32 

Stevenson  acquired  a  taste  for  solitary  life  by  living  with 
Blackstone,  and  resided  here,  (it  is  believed,  alone)  till  his 
death.  There  is  no  evidence  of  his  ever  having  been  married. 
His  time  was  devoted  to  the  cultivation  of  his  lands  and  the 
pleasures  of  hunting.  Ke  died  Sept.  16th,  1695.  His  broth- 
et  James  Stevenson,  of  Springfield,  was  appointed  his  Admin- 
istrator; who  returned  an  Inventory,  Oct.  11th,  1695,  from 
which  it  appears  that  his  whole  estate  was  valued  at  £57. 5. 2.* 

This  is  all  the  account  whieh  I  can  find  of  the  first  settler 
within  the  bounds  of  the  North  Purchase,  and  of  those  con- 
nected with  him.  But  his  name  will  be  preserved  in  perpetual 
remembrance,  for  it  is  inseparably  attached  to  that  noble  river 
which  flows  past  the  site  of  his  ancient  and  solitary  dwelling. 
His  name  is  also  transferred  to  a  work  of  art— to  that  Canal 
which  bears  the  wealth  and  produce  of  the  interior  of  Massa- 
chusetts to  the  original  abode  of  Roger  Williams.  The  Valley 
of  the  Blackstone  has  become  celebrated  as  a_  manufacturing 
district,  and  contributes,  by  the  advantages  of  its  water  power, 
to  the  wealth  and  industry  of  New  England.     Hardly  could 


ward,  tho  land  of  John  Stevenson  ;  to  the  westward,  Pawtucket  river;  to 
tbe  eastward,  the  land  of  John  Stevenson,  the  highway,  and  tiie  undivided 
land  ;  there  running  through  it  a  country  highway  to  Pawtucket  river,  four 
rods  wide. 

Likewise  a  parcel  of  fresh  meadow  commonly  known  by  the  name  of 
Elackstone's  Meadow,  being  eight  acres,  bounded  to  the  eastward,  the 
meadow  of  John  Stevenson,  &c. 

Likewise  twenty  acres  (laid  out  to  John  Blackstone,  granted  to  him  by 
the  king's  jury  for  a  way  taken  through  his  farm  to  Pattuckel  River,)  run- 
ning 76  rods  N.  W.  and  by  W.  and  42  rods  S.  W.  and  by  S.  bounded  round 
by  the  undivided  land  ;  this  tract  lying  near  the  new  road  to  Dedham. 

Likewise  two  acres  which  he  had  upon  exchange  with  his  brother  John 
Stevenson,  adjoining  to  his  own  farm,  on  the  westerly  side  of  the  country 
highway,  next  the  house  ;  bounded  easterly  by  the  highway,  westerly  his 
own  farm,  and  southerly  by  a  small  run  of  water;  and  in  consideration  of 
it  John  Stevenson  had  two  acres  of  what  John  Blackstone  was  to  have  al- 
lowed by  the  king's  jury,  for  the  highway  through  his  land  to  Providence. 

Records  R.  N.  Purchase,  Book  1,  page  153. 


*  '  Hit  bouse,  lands,  and  meadows  at  150,    His  gun,  cutlass,  and  cartouch 
box  10. 18.  0;  &c.  &c. 


S3 

Blackstone— the  lover  of  undisturbed  solitude — have  dreamed 
when  he  forsook  the  Peninsula  of  Boston,  and  pitched  his 
lonely  dwelling  on  the  banks  of  this  placid  stream,  that  his 
peaceful  retreat  would  be  so  soon  the  scene  of  industry  and 
the  abode  of  a  numerous  population,  and  its  silence  broken  by 
the  busy  works  of  art !  Were  his  spirit  permitted  to  revisit 
the  scene  of  his  former  enjoyments — he  would  be  obliged  to 
penetrate  another  wilderness— to  form  a  new  garden,  and 
plant  a  new  orchard — and  to  seek  in  a  more  distant  region  of 
the  West  a  spot  congenial  to  his  taste.* 

The  place  which  he  chose  for  his  residence  is  a  truly  beau- 
tiful and  romantic  spot — such  as  a  recluse  and  a  lover  of  na- 
ture would  select.  The  place  where  his  house  stood  is  a  small 
hill,  the  surface  of  which  would  make  an  acre  or  more  ;  on  the 
east  is  a  gradual  ascent,  but  on  the  west  it  rises  abruptly  from 
the  river  to  the  height  of  60  or  70  feet  ;  there  the  Blackstone 
winds  gracefully  at  its  base,t  forming  a  slight  curve  at  a  short 
distance  south  of  the  hill.  Its  summit  commands  a  fine  view 
of  the  'valley  of  the  Blackstone'  to  the  distance  of  more  than  a 
mile  on  the  South.  On  the  east  is  a  delightful  and  fertile  val- 
ley consisting  of  a  few  acres,  which  opens  to  the  south  on  the 
borders  of  the  meadow,  and  is  bounded  on  the  east  and  north 
east  by  a  gentle  eminence,  on  the  top  of  which  runs  the  'Men- 
don  road'  so  often  mentioned  in  the  ancient  land  records. 
This  valley  was  cultivated  by  the  hands  of  Blackstone  ;  here 
was  his  orchard,  where  are  seen  the  stumps  of  apple-trees,  cut 

*  Every  thing  in  relation  to  Blackstone  is  interesting  to  the  public;  I 
have,  therefore,  been  minute  in  this  description. 

It  could  never  have  occurred  to  him,  who,  to  avoid  the  notice  of  men, 
fought  the  shades  of  solitude,  that  future  ages  would  take  so  deep  an  inter- 
est in  his  history — that  he  should  be  an  object  of  minute  research  to  the  an- 
tiquarian—and that  every  circumstance,  connected  with  his  life,  which  could 
be  rescued  from  the  hand  of  oblivion,  should  be  sought  out  with  so  much 
avidity ! 

tThe  river,  within  forty  years  past,  has  enlarged  its  channel  at  this  place 
and  now  washes  the  very  base  of  the  hill,  as  if  attracted  to  the  spot  by  a 
grateful  remembrance  of  him  who  first  sought  its  banks  and  loved  its  stream, 
and  whose  honored  name  it  now  bears.  The  margin  of  the  river  wa» 
formerly  three  rods  at  least  west  from  the  hill. 


34 

down  within  a  few  years,  which  are  said  to  have  grown  from 
the  sprouts  of  the  first  trees  planted  by  him.  His  well  is  still 
pointed  out,  at  the  southern  border  of  this  valley  ;  though  now 
filled  up  with  moss  and  weeds,  the  pure  water  still  bubbles  up 
from  its  fountains.  His  grave  is  also  designated,  though  with 
less  certainty  ;  it  is  in  the  orchard,  about  two  rods  east  from 
the  foot  of  the  hill  and  north  of  the  well.  The  'flat  stone  which 
it  is  said,  marked  his  grave,'  is  not  now  visible  ;  it  is  either  re- 
moved or  buried  under  the  surface. 

One  Alexander,  who  was  drowned  in  the  river,  was  buriedr 
it  is  said,  by  the  side  of  Mr.  Blackstone.  Is  it  not  probable 
that  his  wife  is  also  buried  at  the  same  place  ? 

The  spot  on  which  he  lived,  has  returned  to  its  original 
state  of  nature.  Six  or  seven  years  ago,  a  heavy  growth  of 
timber  trees  was  cut  from  this  hill ;  and  its  surface  is  now 
thickly  covered  with  young  and  thrifty  wood.  Oaks  of  a  hun- 
dred years  have  grown  on  the  garden  of  Blackstone  ! 

The  first  settlement  within  the  bounds  of  the  present  town 
of  Attleborough  was  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  Baptist  Meet- 
ing House,  where  Hatch's  tavern  now  stands.  It  was  commen- 
ced by  Mr.  John  Woodcock  and  his  sons,  soon  after  the  first 
division  in  1669.  Here  he  built  a  public  house  on  the  Bay 
Road  ;  and  laid  out  lands  to  the  amount  of  about  300  acres, 
which  afterwards  made  an  excellent  farm.  At  this  time  and 
subsequently  he  took  up,  in  several  parts  of  the  town,  about 
600  acres,*  part  on  his  own  shares  and  the  rest  on  rights  which 
he  purchased  of  Roger  Amidowne,  James  Redeway,  Andrew 
Willett,  &c. 

His  house  was  occupied  for  a  Garrison.  It  was  licensed  in 
1670,  according  to  the  following  record. 

1  July  5th  1670.  John  Woodcock  is  allowed  by  the  Court  to 
keep  an  Ordinary  at  the  ten  mile  river  (so  called)  which  is  in 
the  way  from  Rehoboth  to  the  Bay  ;  and  likewise  enjoined  to 
keep  good  order,  that  no  unruliness  or  ribaldry  be  permitted 
there. — Old  Col  Rec. 

His  name  first  appears  in  the  Rehoboth  records  the  28th  4th 


*A  part  of  this  was  on  Bungay  River,  (where  Bishop's  shop  lately  stood) 
which  be  conveyed  to  his  son  Jonathan,  with  the  sawmill  thereon  standing. 


35 

mo.  1647,  when  he   bought  the  lands  of  Ed.   Patterson.     He 
was  admitted  a  freeman  of  that  town,  May  14th  1673. 

Woodcock  was  a  man  of  some  consideration  in  those  days — 
his  name  frequently  appearing  in  town  offices  and  on  com- 
mittees. June  2d  1691  he  was  chosen  Deputy  to  the  General 
Court  from  Rehoboth,  and  at  several  other  times.  He  was 
shrewd,  hardy,  fearless  and  adventurous — a  character  just  suit- 
ed to  the  times  in  which  he  lived,  and  the  circumstances  in 
which  he  was  placed. 

He  held  Indian  rights  in  very  low  estimation.  On  one  oc- 
casion he  took  the  liberty  of  paying  himself  a  debt  due  to  him 
from  a  neighboring  Indian,  without  the  consent  of  the  debtor, 
or  the  intervention  ofjudge,  jury,  or  sheriff — for  which  achieve- 
ment he  received  the  following  sentence  from  the  Court, — an 
example  of  the  rigid  justice  of  the  Puritans. 

*  1654.  John  Woodcock  of  Rehoboth,  for  going  into  an  In- 
dian house  and  taking  away  an  Indian  child  and  some  goods 
in  lieu  of  a  debt  the  Indian  owed  him,  was  sentenced  to  set  in 
the  stocks  at  Rehoboth  an  hour  on  a  Training  day,  and  to  pay 
a  fine  of  forty  shillings.' 

Old  Col  Rec.  Court  Orders,   Book  3d. 

Woodcock  had  two  wives  ;  Sarah,  who  died  in  May  1676, 
and  a  second  one,  Joanna,  who  survived  him.  He  had  a  large 
family  of  children,  some  if  not  all  of  whose  names  I  have  as- 
certained :  (though  no  record  of  them  is  preserved  on  the  books) 
viz.  John,  Israil,  Nathaniel  (killed  by  the  Indians)  Jonathan, 
Thomas  ;  and  at  least — three  daughters  ;  one,  married  to 
Thomas  Esterbrook,  one,  to  Samuel  Guild,  and  another,  Deb- 
orah, to  Benj'n  Onion  May  24th  1683.  There  were  two  oth- 
ers of  this  name  supposed  to  be  children  of  John  Woodcock, 
viz.  Alice,  married  to  Baruck  Bucklin,  and  Mary,  married  to 
Jonathan  Freeman.  There  was  also  a  Sarah  Woodcock  who 
married  Alexander  Bolkcom. 

John  Woodcock  sen.  died  Oct.  20, 1701 — having  arrived  at  a 
very  advanced  age,  in  spite  of  many  attempts  which  had  been 
made  by  the  Indians  to  destroy  him.  It  is  said,  that  after  his 
death  the  scars  of  seven  bullet  holes  were  counted  on  his  body  ! 
He  was  an  inveterate  and   implacable  enemy  to  the  Indians — 


36 


the  cause  of  which  will  hereafter  appear  in  the  notice  of  some 
events  in  Phillip's  War.  In  encounters  with  them,  on  several 
occasions,  he  ran  imminent  risks  of  his  life.  He  was  foremost 
in  all  enterprises,  the  object  of  which  was  the  destruction  of 
the  Indians.  He  was  a  very  useful  man  as  a  pioneer  in  the 
dangers  of  a  new  settlement — being  cunning  in  contrivance, 
and  bold  and  active  in  execution. 

Woodcock's  Garrison*  was  a  well  known  place  of  rendezvous 
in  the  great  Indian  War.  It  was  one  in  a  chain  of  fortifications 
extending  from  Boston  to  Rhode  Island.  There  was  one  in 
Boston  ;  one  in  Dedham  at  Ames'  corner ;  Woodcock's  in  this 
place  ;  one,  it  is  said,  at  Rehoboth,t  now  Seekonk ;  and  anoth- 
er at  Newport  on  the  Island  ;  and  perhaps  others  in  the  inter- 
mediate spaces. 

This  stand,  which  is  now  owned  and  occupied  by  Col.  Hatch, 
is  the  oldest  in  the  county  of  Bristol— a  public  house  having 
been  kept  on  the  spot,  without  intermission,  from  July  5th 
1670,  to  this  time  June  1833—  during  a  period  of  one  hundred 
and  sixty-three  years  !  It  is  situated  on  the  Boston  and  Provi- 
dence turnpike.  I  have  been  at  considerable  pains  to  ascer- 
tain the  names  of  the  several  owners,  in  succession,  and  the 
times  at  which  they  purchased— some  brief  notices  of  which 
may  be  interesting  to  the  reader. 

It  was  established  by  John  Woodcock,  as  already  related  in 
1670 — the  land  having  been  laid  out  and  cleared  by  him  for 
the  purpose.     He  occupied  it  about  23  years. 

Feb.  17th,  1693—4.  John  Woodcock  sen.  of  Rehoboth, 
(with  Joanna  his  wife)  for  .£390  money  in  hand  received,  con- 
veys to  John  Devotion  of*  Muddy  River,  formerly  of  Boston,1 
a  tract  of  land  containing  210  acres,  being  *  at  a  place  com- 
monly called  ten  mile  river  by  a  highway  called  Wrentham 
lane,'  &c.  '  with  the  mansion  or  dwelling  house,  barn,  and  all 
other  out  housing  and  buildings  (the  Smith's  shop  only  except- 

♦This  wa?  probably  the  only  house  (excepting  immediate  neighbors')  on 
the  'Bay  road,'  between  Rehoboth  and  Dedham— though  this  was  then  the 
main  road  from  R.  Island,  Bristol  and  Rehoboth  to  Boston. 

tSituated  in  the  centre  of  the  Great  Plains,  on  the  borders  of  which  the 
first  settlements  were  principally  located. 


37 

ed  standing  on  the  river  ;*)•  also  about  30  acres  lying  on  N.  W. 
side  the  country  road  formerly  given  to  his  son  John  Wood- 
cock, bounded  by  ten  mile  R.  <&c.  with  his  son's  dwelling  house 
and  barn  on  the  same.  *  John  Devotion  took  quiet  possession 
of  the  same,  April  9th  1694,  in  presence  of  Nathaniel  Brent- 
nall,  William  Chaplin.'f 

Woodcock  laid  out  the  ancient  Burying  ground  near  his 
house.  In  the  above  mentioned  conveyance  is  the  following 
reservation.  'Except  a  small  parcel  of  at  least  six  rods  square 
or  the  contents  thereof,  for  a  burying  place  in  which  my  wife 
and  several  of  my  children  and  neighbors  are  interred,  with 
liberty  for  my  children  and  neighbors  to  come  upon  and  make 
use  thereof  forever  as  occasion  may  be.'| 

John  Devotion  occupied  the  premises  more  than  17  years. 
He  left  no  descendants  here  ;  and  after  selling  his  estate  re- 
moved to  Wethersfield,  afterwards  to  Suffield.§  His  wife's 
name  was  Hannah. 

July  10th  1711.  John  Devotion  for  <£400  money  paid,  con- 
veys the  said  form  (containing 2S0  acres  more  or  less)  to  John 
Daggett  of  Chilmark  in  Dukes   County,  Martha's  Vineyard, 

*  A  shop  now  stands  on  the  same  spot. 

t  In  this  conveyance  to  Devotion  is  the  following  curious  item:  '  Also, 
all  the  saul  John  Woodcock  his  right  to,  and  privilege  in,  a  house  and  pas- 
ture at  Wrentham  for  accommodation  of  his  family  and  horses  on  Sabbath 
days  and  other  public  limes,  as  occasion  may  be.' 

Previous  to  his  removal  here,  he  had  a  house  at  Rehoboth  for  a  similar 
purpose.  Seepage  13.  From  this  and  other  records  it  appears  that  he  and 
his  family  were  very  attentive  to  public  worship. 

$  This  is  the  oldest  grave  yard  in  the  town, — where  the  first  settlers  are 
buried.  It  is  situated  on  the  easterly  side  of  the  roa  I  opposite  the  Hotel. 
The  first  inteiment  in  this  piaffe  was  that  of  Nathaniel  Woodcock  who  was 
killed  by  the  Indians  in  Phillip's  War,  May  1676,  and  was  buried  on  the 
spot  where  he  fell,  which  is  still  pointed  out  in  the  centre  of  the  grave  yard. 
This  ceraeteiy  is  now  in  a  state  of  dilapidation — many  of  the  stones  have 
fallen  down,  and  the  whole  is  going  rapidly  to  decay.  It  is  the  duty  of 
that  neighborhood  or  the  town,  (a  duty  which  jriatituile  demands.)  to  sea 
the  ground  decently  enclosed  and  the  stones  erected,  that  the  few  memorial! 
which  now  exist  of  our  early  ancestry  may  be  preserved. 

i  He  bad  a  son  John  Devotion,  a  schoolmaster,  living  in  Swansea  in  1716. 

6 


38 

(the  first  of  that  name  who  settled  in  this  town)  with  25  acres 
on  Nine  mile  R.  (except  2  acres,  the  barn  and  orchard  on  it, 
now  in  possession  of  Penticost  Blackinton.)  '  Also,  one  whole 
share   in  the  undivided  lands  in  Attleborough. 

April  16th  1722.  John  Daggett,  for  £550,  sells  the  same 
to  Alexander  Maxcy,  *  being  his  homestead,  containing  170 
acres  in  2  parts  on  the  Ten  Mile  R.  &e.  at  a  place  called 
Mount  Hope  Hill.'*  The  said  Maxcy  died  in  about  a  year  af- 
ter this  purchase.  At  the  division  of  his  estate  (1730)  the  es- 
tablishment passed  into  the  hands  of  his  oldest  son  Josiah  Max- 
cy. After  his  death  in  1772,  (if  not  before)  it  came  into  the 
possession  of  his  son  Levi  Maxcy,  who  occupied  it  till  about 
1780  when  he  sold  it  to  Col.  Israil  Hatch  the  present  occupant. 

The  old  Garrison  was  torn  down  in  1806,  and  a  large  and 
elegant  building  erected  on  the  spot,  58  by  60  feet,  3  stories 
high.t  It  thus  appears  that  the  first  building  erected  on  the 
place  stood  one  hundred  and  thirty  six  years.  A  great  part  of 
the  timber  was  said  to  be  perfectly  sound— pierced,  however, 
by  many  a  bullet  received  in  Phillip's  War.  A  relic  of  this 
house,  it  is  said,  was  preserved  in  the  archives  of  the  Mass. 
His.  Soc. 

Several  families  settled  near  Mr.  Blackstone's  seat  soon  af- 
ter, if  not  previous  to  the  war. 

Another  early  settlement  was  at  the  Falls  (so  called)  now 
the  Falls  Factories.  The  natural  advantages  of  a  fine  fall  of 
water  attracted  the  settlers  to  the  spot.  The  banks  of  rivers 
were  generally  selected  by  the  first  occupants  on  account  of 
the  *  natural  meadows'  which  they  afforded,  and  which  were 
highly  valued  at  a  time  when  the  face  of  the  country  was  cov- 
ered with  forests. 

The  first  person  who  laid  out  lands  at  the  latter  place  (as 
near  as  can  be  ascertained  from  the  records)  was  John  Dag- 
gett of  Rehoboth,  who,  in  Oct.  1677,  sold  50  acres  of  it  to  his 


*  So  called  to  this  day. 

t  The  original  building  only  was  taken  down ; — an  addition,  built  at 
an  early  period,  was  moved  a  little  back,  where  it  now  stands,  *  carved  o'er 
with  many  a  long  forgotten  name.'  A  small  remnant,  one  room,  of  the  old 
Garrison  may  cull  be  seen  adjoining  the  wood  house. 


39 

brother  Thomas  Daggett  of  Marthas  Vineyard.  Edward  Hall* 
also  at  an  early  period  owned  50  acres  here,  which  he  gave  by 
will  to  his  son  John,  and  he  sold  it  to  John  Stevenson  and 
Samuel  Penfield ;  the  latter  sold  it,  in  1686,  to  Thomas  Dag- 
gett of  Edgartown,  and  Joseph  and  Nathaniel  Daggettf  of 
Rehoboth.  This  was  the  land  immediately  around  the  Falls 
including  the  privilege.  The  first  mill  built  there  was  a  'Corn 
Mill,'  owned  or  occupied  by  the  above  named  Joseph  Daggett, 
at  what  time  is  not  known.  This  was  doubtless  the  first  mill 
in  town.  March  30th  1703,  the  town  voted  that  Jos.  Daggett 
of  Rehoboth  have  the  privilege  '  that  the  stream  at  the  Ten 
Mile  River  Falls  shall  go  free  of  all  sorts  of  taxes  until  a  Corn 
mill  has  the  constant  custom  of  three  score  families;  and  if  a 
saw  mill  be  built,  that  to  bear  his  equal  share  in  public  charges 
in  said  town-' 

Thomas  ButlerJ  also  laid  out  land  near  the  Mill. 

The  southeast  corner  of  the  town  was  early  inhabited  by- 
people  from  Rehoboth.  The  borders  of  the  Bay  Road  which 
passed  through  the  neighborhood  of  Newell's  and  the  City 
were  occupied  by  some  of  the  first  settlers.  This  was  the 
main  route  from  Bristol  to  Boston,  and  was  the  first  road  in 
town. 

Proceedings  of  the  Proprietors. 
The  Proprietors  of  the  Rehoboth  North  Purchase  soon  be- 
came a  distinct  body  from  the  town,  and  kept  separate  books. 
Before  proceeding  to  other  parts  of  the  history  of  the  town,  it 
may  be  proper  to  detail  some  of  the  transactions  of  the  Pro- 
prietors, which  will  throw  light  on  our  early  history,  and  give 
a  view  of  the  difficulties  which  they  had  to  encounter  in  the 
settlement. 


*  Then  of  Rehoboth,  previously  of  Taunton.  Admitted  a  freeman  of 
Massachusetts  May  2,  1638.  One  John  Hall  was  admitted  May  14,  1634, 
and  another  May  6th,  1635.  Edward  bad  7  children— John  born  before 
his  father  came  to  Rehoboth, — Samuel,  Jeremiah,  Thomas,  Preserved,  An- 
drew, Benjamin,  from  1656  to  1668. 

t  The  last  two  were  the  sons  of  John  Daggett  the  first  of  Rehoboth. 

i  There  were  three  of  the  name  of  Butler  in  town. 


40 

The  Proprietors*  Books  commence  in  1672.  Previous  to 
this  their  proceedings  were  recorded  in  the  Rehoboth  town 
books.  A  certain  company  (consisting  of  inhabitants  of  Reho- 
both) purchased,  as  already  appears  a  certain  tract  of  land  of 
the  Indians,  through  their  agent,  and  the  title  was  confirmed 
by  the  Government,*  which  tract  was  called  The  Rehoboth 
North  Purchase.  There  were  82  purchasers  or  share-hold- 
ers, 76  of  whom  bad  whole  shares,  and  6,  half  shares,  making 
79  whole  shares,  t  They  called  meetings,  (notified  according 
to  law)  and  from  time  to  time  granted  divisions  of  so  many 
acres  to  a  share— which  were  laid  out  to  the  shareholders,  by 
metes  and  bounds,  by  a  committee  and  surveyor  chosen  for  the 
purpose,  under  such  regulations  and  instructions  as  were  es- 
tablished by  the  company  and  were  recorded  by  the  Clerk  in 
the  Proprietors'  Books.  This  constituted  a  valid  right  to  the 
lands  so  recorded.  In  this  way  all  the  original  titles  to  land  in 
this  town  were  obtained.  A  transfer  of  a  share  might  be  made 
by  deed,  a  record  of  the  sale  being  entered  in  the  Proprietors' 
books.  Or,  a  person  might  obtain  a  title  to  lands  by  purchas- 
ing of  a  proprietor  a  right  to  lay  out  a  certain  number  of  acres 
in  a  division  already  granted,  which  would  be  recorded  to  him 
in  the  same  manner  as  to  the  original  owner. 

The  Grant  was  first  made  to  such  inhabitants  of  Rehoboth 
as  held  a  fifty  pounds  estate  and  upwards,  they  having  made 
the  purchase;  but  in  1670  all  who  were  then  inhabitants  of 
that  town  were  admitted  as  proprietors  by  entering  their 
names,  as  appears  by  the  following  extract  from  a  Court  order 
passed  Oct.  7th,  1670. 

*  Whereas  the  lands  on  the  Northerly  side  of  Rehoboth  now 
sold  by  Deed  and  passed  over  to  the  Proprietors  of  that  town 
(viz.)  to  all  that  hold  lands  there  from  a  fifty  pounds  estate 
and  upwards  ;  yet  by  mutual  agreement  amongst  themselves  all 
the  inhabitants  were  taken  in  to  be  joint  purchasers,  it  is  de- 
termined that  the  names  of  such  as  were  not  comprehended  in 
the  above  mentioned  Deed  shall  be  entered   in  their  town  rec- 


*  No  purchase  of  Indian  lands  was  valid  without  the  grant  or  confirm* 
tion  of  the  Government, 
t  What  consideration  was  paid  for  the  purchase  does  not  appemr. 


41 

ords  and  in  the  public  records  of  the  Colony,  to  be,  if  they  de- 
sire it,  as  full  and  equal  purchasers  and  proprietors  in  those 
lands  as  the  rest.' 

These  lands  were  at  first  exempted  from  full  taxation,  'to 
accommodate  the  poorer  sort  with  land  and  yet  so  as  not  to 
oppress  them  as  much  otherwise.'  The  Court  ordered  'that 
all  the  North  lands,  both  farms  and  else,'  should  be  taxed  in  a 
rate  separate  from  the  town  of  Rehoboth,  and  should  pay  30 
shillings  in  a  «£40  rate  to  the  Colony,  and  in  the  same  propor- 
tion in  the  Ministerial  and  other  charges,  'until  the  Court 
shall  see  cause  otherwise  to  dispose  concerning  them,  until 
which  time  they  shall  be  and  remain  within  the  Constablerick 
of  the  township  of  Rehoboth.'     Oct.  7,  1670. 

The  Proprietors  sometimes  exercised  legislative  powers, 
which  were,  however,  to  some  extent,  authorized  by  Statute. 

June  10th  1707.  Voted,  that  all  who  have  lands  laid  out  in 
the  North  Purchase  and  have  not  renewed  their  bounds  since 
the  1st  of  March  last,  shall,  between  this  date  and  the  last  of 
September  next,  renew  the  same,  or  forfeit  the  sum  of  ten  shil- 
lings to  be  recovered  as  a  debt  due  :  the  one  half  to  the  informer, 
and  the  other  half  to  the  Proprietors,  any  one  of  whom  are  author- 
ized  to  prosecute  this  act. 

At  the  same  meeting  it- was  ordered  that  all  the  timber  cut 
on  the  undivided  lands  should  be  forthwith  seized  ;  and  a  com- 
mittee was  appointed  to  hear  and  determine  by  what  right  it 
was  cut,  and  if  found  without  good  right,  then  to  take  the 
methods  of  the  law  in  that  case  provided. 

Sept.  16,  1707.  Voted  that  the  Committee  with  the  survey- 
or, shall  lay  out  all  needful  highways  for  the  Proprietors 
in  said  Purchase,  and  make  restitution  to  persons  whose  lands 
are  taken  for   this  purpose,  in  any  of  the  undivided  lands.* 

Nov.  1708.  The  Proprietors  chose  a  committee  to  look  af- 
ter the  northerly  bounds  of  their  purchase.  At  this  time  com- 
menced the  long  and  tedious  contest  about  the  northern  boun- 
dary of  the  purchase  which  was  the  Old  Colony  line.  The 
subject  was  discussed  at  every  meeting,  and  committees  often 

»  A  large  proportion  of  the  highways  in  this  town  were  laid  out  by  the 
Proprietor!-,  accompanied  by  the  Selectmen* 


4Z 

appointed  to  devise  means  of  protecting  the  rights  of  the  pur- 
chasers. Petitions  were  sent  to  the  General  Court,  counsel 
were  employed  to  defend  their  rights ;  aud  finally  a  petition 
and  an  agent  were  sent  to  England. 

July  21st  1714.  Voted  that  two  acres  of  land  on  the  hill 
before  Mr.  David  Freeman's,  where  the  Burying  place  now  is, 
shall  be  laid  out  for  a  Burying  place  for  Attleborough.  This 
is  the  grave-yard  near  the  village  called  the  City. 

June  13th  1717.  Voted  unanimonsly  that  Col.  Nath'l. 
Paine  Esq.  Mr.  Richard  Waterman,  Esq.  Lieut.  Anthony 
Sprague,  Mr.  Dan.  Jenks  and  Mr.  Dan.  Smith  be  a  committee 
to  see  to  the  Northerly  bounds,  hereby  giving  them  full  power 
to  act  in  all  respects  in  behalf  of  the  whole  Propriety  concern- 
ing running  the  line  between  Attleboro'  Wrentham  and  Ded- 
ham,  where  it  ought  lawfully  to  be  stated  according  to  our 
purchase  deed. 

July  14th  1717.  The  Committee  were  authorized  to  defend 
all  suits  of  law  that  may  be  commenced  by  any  person  or  per- 
sons against  the  Propriety,  and  to  empower  any  attorney  or 
attornies  that  may  be  needful  for  advice  ;  and  further  to  com- 
mence any  action  or  actions  that  they  may  think  proper  for  the 
benefit  of  the  said  Propriety. 

Nov.  2d  1720.  Voted  that  the  former  Committee  still  pro- 
ceed with  their  Petitions,  even  until  they  send  to  England 
about  the  right  of  our  northern  line  (if  they  cannot  be  heard 
in  our  own  government),  and  that  the  expense  be  paid  by  the 
proprietors  according  to  their  several  interests. 

Voted  that  one  hundred  acres  of  undivided  land  be  sold  to 
defray  the  expenses  of  defending  the  northern  line,  t 

Feb.  21st  1726 — 7.  Voted  that  any  person  or  persons  who 
will  sue  for  our  rights  iu  the  land  challenged  by  Dorchester  or 
Stoughton,  Wrentham  and  Bellingham,  and  to  the  South  of 
Nath.  Woodward  and  Solomon  SafFrey's  line  and  on  the  north 
of  the  town  and  all  that  part  that  heth  within  their  challenge, 
shall  have  the  fourth  part  of  said  tract  of  land  if  they  recover 


t  At  a  subsequent  meeting  in  1752,  the  Clerk  was  authorized  to  Fell  to 
any  of  the  proprietors  79£  acres  of  undivided  land  at  8  shillings  lawful  mon- 
$y  per  aere. 


43 

it  to  the  use  of  the  Propriety.  Maj.  Leonard  Esq.  Capt  John 
Foster  and  Ensign  Daniel  Peck  appeared  in  said  meeting  and 
accepted  the  offer. 

June  5,  1727.  At  this  meeting  a  petition  in  rhyme  was  pre- 
sented by  one  Joshua  Barrows,*  at  that  time  a  well  known  ex- 
tempore rhymster,  of  whose  productions  many  specimens  are 
still  remembered  ;  and  of  whose  wit  and  eccentricity  tradition 
has  preserved  numerous  amusing  anecdotes.  He  seems  to 
have  suffered  the  common  fate  of  poets,  poverty.  His  peti- 
tion is  recorded  at  length  in  the  Proprietors'  books,— which  is 
transcribed  merely  for  the  amusement  of  the  reader. 
*  Your  Honors  now  I  do  implore 

To  read  my  poor  petition  ; 
I  hope  your  hearts  will  open  be 

To  pity  my  condition. 
Ten  acres  of  the  Common  Land 

I  pray  that  you  would  give  ; 
Then  thankful  I   will  be  to   you 
As  long  as  I  do   live. 

Such  a  kindness,  I  must  confess, 

From  you  I   don't  deserve  ; 
But  when  in  health,  I  freely  work — 
♦  Why  should  you  let  me  starve  7 

From  day  to  day  my  daily  bread 

I  get  it  by  my  sweat  ; 
But  to  my  sorrow,  I  beg  and  borrow 

When  sickness  doth  me  let. 

No  more  in  rhyme  here  at  this  time, 

No  more  1  have  at  hand, 
And  so  I'll  end,  your  faithful  friend 
And  servant  to  command. 

Joshua  Barrows.' 
Attleborough,  June  5th  1727. 

The  prayer  of  this  petition  our  good-natured  forefathers 
could  not  resist.  '  Upon  the  hearing  of  the  aforesaid  petition 
of  Joshua  Barrows,  there  were  sundry  persons  in  said  meeting 

*  He  is  said  to  have  been  entirely  illiterate. 


*4 

which  were  proprietors,  which  gave  him  land  to  take  up  upon 
their  rights — their  names  are  as  followeth,  &c.' — making  in 
the  whole  13  acres,  which  were  laid  out  and  recorded  to  him. 

It  appears  from  the  report  of  a  committee  that  an  agent  was 
actually  employed  in  England  to  defend  their  boundaries.  In 
their  account  are  the   following  items  : 

Paid  for  silver  money  to  send  to  England  «£*2l  17  6. 

Paid  to   Nath.  Brown  for  carrying  the  money  to 

Boston  to  send  to  England         -  -  -  £2  02  6 

To  expense  at  Providence  when  both  committees 
met  there  to  wait  on  Gov.  Jencks,  and  writing 
to  send  to  England  after  his  return  from  Eng- 
land,  <fcc.  <fcc. £176 

Jan.  3d  1750 — 1.  Chose  Col.  Thomas  Bowen,  Maj.  John 
Foster  and  Capt.  Sam.  Tyler  a  committee,  fully  empowering 
them  to  prepare  a  petition  praying  the  General  Court  that 
some  effectual  method  may  be  taken  for  the  perfecting  of  a 
straight  line*  from  the  middle  of  Accord  Pond  (so  called) 
westward  to  that  station  which  is  three  English  miles  south  of 
the  southernmost  part  of  Charles  River,  agreeable  to  a  settle- 
ment made  by  the  Government  of  New  Plymouth  and  the 
Massachusetts  in  the  year  1640. 

Sept.  26th  1751.  Made  choice  of  James  Otis  of  Boston  and 
John  Foster  of  Attleborough,  Esqrs.  a  committee  in  addition 
to  Ben).  Day  and  Nath.  Smith  (chosen  at  a  former  meeting)  to 
present  a  petition  about  to  be  heard  at  the   General   Court  at 

*  The  cause  of  dispute  was  an  angle  in  the  Old  Colony  Line,  which  is 
said  to  have  originated  in  this  way  :  The  Commissioners,  who  were  appoint- 
ed in  1640  by  the  two  colonics  to  run  the  line  between  them,  commenced 
near  the  shore  at  a  rock  called  Bound  Kock  in  the  middle  of  Accord  Pond, 
which  is  in  the  line  between  Scituateand  Cohassett,  (once  part  of  Hiugham) 
intending  to  reach  by  a  straigbi  line  the  most  northerly  point  of  Plymouth 
Colony,  on  the  easterly  li  eof  R.  Island;  but  when  they  had  arrived  within 
about  three  miles  they  discovered  that  their  course  would  carry  them  far  to 
the  South  of  the  intended  point.  Instead  of  rectifying  the  whole  lioe  they 
made  an  angle  and  took  a  new  course  so  far  north  as  to  reach  the  true 
point !  At  this  turn  stood  a  large  oak  tree  marked  which  was  called  Angle 
Tree.  A  large  Stone  Monument  has  been  since  erected  on  the  fpot  by 
Attleborough  and  Wrentbara. 


45 

their  next  session,  and  to  pursue  said  petition  until  it  is  fully 
determined  by  said  Court ;  and  to  petition  anew  if  need  be,  to 
have  the  line  settled  on  the  northerly  part  of  our  Purchase. 

May  19th  1752.  Chose  a  committee  and  gave  them  full 
power  to  eject  any  person  or  persons  out  of  the  possession  of 
those  lands  they  have  possessed  themselves  of,  within  the 
North  Purchase  Grant,  without  the  consent  of  the  Proprietors, 
as  also  full  power  to  sue  and  pursue  any  action  brought  for  the 
purpose,  to  final  judgment  and  execution. 

May  27th,  1754.  The  committees  of  Rehoboth  N.  Purchase 
and  Taunton  N.  Purchase  entered  into  an  agreement  to  com- 
mence actions  of  ejectment  against  persons  who  had  intruded 
upon  their  respective  purchases,  the  costs  to  be  borne  equally 
by  the  two  Proprieties. 

Divisions  of  land  in  the  N.  Purchase  have  been  made  among 
the  Proprietors  at  different  times,  as  follows  : 

1.  A  Division  of  50  acres  to  a  share  granted  March  18,  1668-9 

2.  "         of  50  acres  to  a  share  was  granted  Feb.  18th  1684 

3.  "         "  50  acres,  in  2  parts,  25  acres  each,  Oct.  31, 1699 

4.  " 

5.  " 

6.  " 

7.  " 

8.  " 

9.  " 

10.  " 

11.  " 

12.  " 
1%  " 

The  most  valuable  parts  of  this  Purchase  were  taken  up  by 
these  divisions  many  years  since.  A  small  but  broken  and  un- 
productive remnant  of  this  land  yet  remains  common  and  undi- 
vided on  Cutting's  Plain  (so  called)  on  the  road  from  East 
Attleborough  to  Wrentham. 

From  their  records  and  the  extracts  which  have  been  made, 
it  appears  that  the  proprietors  made  their  own  regulations, 
gave  their  own  titles  to  lands,  and  in  fact,  enacted  all  their 
7 


"  50 

acres 

in  2  lotments, 

1703 

"  50  t 

icres 

was 

granted 

June  10th,  1707 

"  50 

(« 

(4 

ii 

July  21st,  1714 

"  20 

it 

II 

ii 

Feb.  21st,  1726— 7 

"  10 

u 

II 

M 

April  14th,  1735 

"     3 

u 

II 

(( 

April  4th,  1760 

"     2 

(( 

II 

II 

1793 

"     2 

(I 

II 

|l 

1801 

"     1 

II 

(( 

ii 

1820 

«     1 

11 

II 

II 

May  10th,  1833 

46 

laws  relative  to  the  ownership  and  the  original  conveyance  of 
lands  included  in  their  purchases. 

Names  of  the  Clerics  of  the  Propriety. 
William  Carpenter,  Jr.  chosen   May  17th,  1682 
Daniel  Smith  "         May  31st,  1703 

Noah  Carpenter  "         April  23d,  1724 

John  Robbins,  Jr.  "         May   1st,   1752 

John  Daggett  "        Dec  9th,  1763 

Ebenezer  Daggett  "        July   1st,  1793    and 

continued  till  his  death  March  4th,  1832.     Lucas  Daggett  cho- 
sen May  10,  1833. 

INDIAN  WAR. 

The  few  events,  connected  with  this  war,  which  occurred 
here,    should   not  be   omitted  in  the   history   of  the  town. 

The  peaceful  regions,  which  we  now  inhabit,  once  resound- 
ed with  the  shrill  and  terrible  war-whoop  of  the  Indian. — 
These  fields  and  woods,  these  hills  and  vales  were  once  trod 
by  the  wild  hunters  of  the  forest.  They  were  the  domains  of 
another  race  of  men,  who  have  long  since  passed  away  and  are 
known  only  by  the  brief  histories  and  scattered  relics  which 
their  conquerors  have  preserved.  But  whatever  relates  to  them 
is  interesting.  They  were  distinguished  by  many  peculiarites. 
They  had  their  savage  vices,  but  possessed  at  the  same  time 
their  savage  virtues.     They  were  hardy,  bold  and  warlike. 

The  most  important  and  critical  period  in  the  history  of  the 
Colony  was  the  Indian  War  of  1675—6.  This  was  a  gloomy 
and  fearful  period  to  these  infant  settlements.  The  hour  of 
their  destruction  seemed  to  be  drawing  nigh.  They  were  a 
scattered  people, — spreading  over  a  wide  extent  of  territory, — 
peculiarly  exposed  in  their  lives  and  property,  to  Indian  depre- 
dations. The  approaching  contest  required  all  the  patience, 
fortitude  and  courage  which  men  are  ever  called  to  exercise. 
They  had  to  contend  against  fearful  odds.  Nearly  all  the  New 
England  tribes,  embracing  many  thousand  warriors,  had  com- 
bined for  their  destruction,  guided  by  the  matchless  genius  of 
a  Chief  versed  in  all  the  arts  of  savage  warfare.    It  was  a  war 


47 

of  extermination— -a  contest  for  victory  in  which  there  was  no 
quarter — no  mercy. 

In  April  1676,  the  Indians,  having  suffered  several  severe 
defeats  in  a  body,  adopted  a  new  mode  of  warfare,  and  dis- 
persed themselves  in  small  parties  over  the  country,  burning, 
killing  and  destroying  wherever  opportunity  offered.  Among 
other  outrages,  they  attacked  Woodcock's  Garrison,  *  killed 
one  man  and  one  of  Woodcock's  sons,  and  wounded  another, 
and  burnt  the  son's  house.'  Some  circumstances  connected 
with  this  event  appear  to  have  been  accurately  preserved  by 
tradition,  from  which  and  other  sources  are  gathered  the  fol- 
lowing particulars. 

His  sons  were  at  work  in  a  corn  field  near  the  house.  The 
Indians,  concealed  in  a  wood  *  adjoining  the  field,  approach- 
ed to  its  borders  and  fired  upon  them.  The  workmen  fled  to 
the  Garrison,  leaving  the  dead  body  on  the  field.  The  In^ 
dians,  to  gratify  their  spite  against  the  family,  cut  off  the  son's 
head,  stuck  it  on  a  long  pole,  which  they  set  up  on  a  hill  at 
some  distance  in  front  of  the  house  and  in  full  view  of  the  fam- 
ily, to  aggravate  their  feelings  as  much  as  possible.  From  this 
time  Woodcock  swore  never  to  make  peace  with  the  Indians. 
He  ever  after  hunted  them  like  wild  beasts.  He  was  a  man  of 
resolute  and  determined  character  ; — and  tradition  says,  that 
not  a  few  fell  victims  to  his  vengeance  and  a  sacrifice  to  the 
manes  of  his  murdered  son. 

This  attack  was  in  May.  The  body  of  his  son  (whose  name 
was  Nathaniel)  was  buried  on  the  spot  where  he  fell,  nearly 
in  the  centre  of  the  yard  which  has  ever  since  been  reserved 
for  a  burying  ground. 

Pierce's  Fight. — This  town  was  the  scene  of  one  of  the 
most  severe,  bloody  and  fatal  battles  fought  during  the  war. — 
It  took  place  on  Sunday  March  26th  1676,  in  that  part  which 
is  now  Cumberland  R.  I.  near  the  Blackstone  River.  The 
spot  is  still  pointed  out. 

The  Government  of  Plymouth,  fearing  that  their  settlements 
would  be  again  attacked,  after  so  many  outrages  had   been 

*  Now  the  meadow  on  the  east  of  the  turnpike  below  the  bridge. 


48 

committed  in  Massachusetts,  ordered  out  a  company  for  their 
defence,  consisting  of  63  Englishmen  and  20  Cape  Indians,* 
under  the  command  of  Capt.  Michael  Pierce  of  Scituate. — 
He  immediately  marched  in  pursuit  of  the  enemy  who  were 
supposed  to  be  in  the  vicinity.  He  rendezvoused  at  the  Gar- 
rison in  Rehoboth  on  Saturday  night.  The  next  day,  '  having 
intelligence  in  his  Garrison  at  Seaconicke  that  a  party  of  the 
enemy  lay  near  Mr.  Blackstone's,  he  went  forth  with  63  Eng- 
lish and  20  Cape  Indians  ;'  and  soon  discovered  4  or  5  Indi- 
ans in  a  piece  of  woods  who  pretended  to  be  lame  and  wound- 
ed, but  proved  to  be  decoys  to  lead  the  whites  into  ambuscade, 
for  they  soon  discovered  500  more  of  the  enemy.  Pierce, 
though  aware  of  their  superiority  of  numbeis,  courageously 
pursued  them,  when  they  began  to  retreat  slowly  ;  but  there 
soon  appeared  another  company  of  400  Indians,  who  were 
now  able  completely  to  surround  him.  A  party  of  the  enemy 
were  stationed  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  River  to  prevent  the 
English  crossing ;  they  were  thus  attacked  in  front  and  rear 
by  an  overwhelming  force.  Thus  all  chance  of  retreat  and 
all  hope  of  escape  was  cut  off.  This  was  a  most  trying  mo- 
ment. But  there  was  no  flinching — no  quailing.  Each  one 
knew  that  in  all  human  probability  he  must  die  on  that  field, 
and  that  too  under  the  most  appalling  circumstances — by  the 
hand  of  a  merciless  enemy  who  sought  their  extermination. — 
But  bravely  and  nobly  did  they  submit  to  their  fate.  Each 
one  resolved  to  do  his  duty  and  sell  his  life  at  the  dearest  rate. 
At  such  a  time  the  awful  war-whoop  of  the  Indian  would  have 
sent  a  thrill  of  terror  to  the  hearts  of  any  but  brave  men.     At 


*  This  account  differs  in  some  respects  from  that  given  by  Church  who 
states  that  there  were  only  50  Whites  and  20  Cape  Indians.  I  have  relied, 
for  the  most  of  the  particulars  in  this  description,  on  a  •  Continued  Account 
of  the  Bloody  Indian  War  from  March  till  August  1676,'  now  in  the  hands 
of  Mr.  S.G.  Drake,  Boston.  It  was  published  in  London  the  same  year; 
and  contains  a  minute  and  apparently  accurate  detail  of  this  battle  and 
many  of  the  other  important  events  of  the  war.  The  work  consists  of  a 
series  of  letters  written  by  a  gentleman  in  Boston  to  his  friend  in  London, 
and  published  from  time  to  time  as  they  were  received.  One  volume,  (the 
above  mentioned)  containing  S  or  4  letters,  has  been  lately  discovered; — 
and  was  never  reprinted  in  this  country. 


49 

this  critical  juncture  Capt.  Pierce  made  an  exceedingly  judi- 
cious movement.  He  formed  his  men  into  a  circle,  back  to 
back,  with  four  spaces  between  each  man— thus  enlarging  the 
circle  to  its  greatest  extent — presenting  a  front  to  the  enemy 
in  every  direction,  and  necessarily  scattering  their  fire  over  a 
greater  surface ;  whilst  the  Indians  stood  in  a  deep  circle,  one 
behind  another,  forming  a  compact  mass,  and  presenting  a  front 
where  every  shot  must  take  effect.  *  He  thus  made  a  brave 
resistance  for  two  hours,  (all  the  while  keeping  the  enemy  at  a 
distance  and  his  own  men  in  perfect  order)  and  kept  up  a  con- 
stant and  destructive  fire  upon  the  Indians.  But  no  courage  or 
skill  could  prevail  in  such  an  unequal  contest,  or  longer  resist 
such  a  force.t  At  last  overpowered  by  numbers,  Capt.  Pierce 
and  55  English  and  10  Cape  Indians  were  slain  on  the  spot, 
'  which  in  such  a  cause  and  upon  such  disadvantage  may  cer- 
tainly be  styled  the  Bed  of  Honor.'  But  this  victory  was  gain- 
ed at  a  great  sacrifice.  The  Indians  lost  as  many  (not  count- 
ing women  and  children)  as  in  the  great  swamp  fight  at  Nar- 
ragansett,  which  were  computed  at  over  300  ! 

This  was  the  sorest  defeat  which  the  Colony  of  Plymouth 
suffered  during  the  war,  and  caused  great  distress  every  where, 
for  the  numbers  lost  amounted  to  about  one  third  of  their  reg- 
ular force.  According  to  Church,  not  a  single  white  man  re- 
turned from  this  bloody  and  fatal  battle-field. 

As  soon  as  the  Rehoboth  people  received  information  of  the 
dangerous  situation  of  Capt.  Pierce  and  his  men,  they  des- 
patched a  company  to  his  assistance,  who  arrived  in  season  only 
to  perform  the  last  offices  to  the  dead  bodies  of  their  countrymen. 

The  courage  and  resolution  displayed  on  this  occasion  de- 
serve commendation.  These  brave  soldiers  were  entitled  to 
the  gratitude  of  the  Colony,  for  whose  defence  they  had  thus 
sacrificed  their  lives.  They  were  taken  by  surprise,  and  com- 
pletely surrounded  by  a  force  ten  times  their  superior.     Pierce 

*  In  the  words  of  the  account  just  refered  to:  '  Capt.  Pierce  cast  his  men 
into  a  Ring,  and  fought  back  to  back,  and  were  double-double  distance  all  in 
one  ring,  whilst  the  Indians  were  as  thick  as  they  could  stand  thirty  deep.' 

t  Canonchet,  a  Narragansett  Chief,  commanded  in  this  battle.  He  was 
soon  after  taken  prisoner  and  executed. 


50 

was  a  bold  and  adventurous  man — fear  formed  no  part  of  his 
character.  His  men  partook  of  his  courage.  They  pushed 
forward — perhaps  imprudently — and  thus  fell  into  the  snare 
which  their  enemy  had  prepared  for  them.  Considering  the 
numbers  engaged,  it  was  doubtless  the  most  warmly  and  close- 
ly contested  of  all  the  engagements  which  took  place,  during 
that  eventful  period,  between  the  white  and  the  red  men.  Near- 
ly 400  were  killed  on  both  sides.  History  has  recorded,  with 
applause,  every  feat  of  bravery,  when  performed  on  a  more 
conspicuous  station,  whilst  it  has  often  overlooked  the  humble 
though  equally  meritorious  exploit.  It  requires  more  true 
courage  to  die  on  such  a  field,  with  such  a  foe,  than  on  the 
plains  of  Warterloo,  amid  the  '  pomp  and  circumstance  of 
glorious  war.' 

The  following  adventure  in  which  ■  Old  Woodcock '  was 
engaged,  is  abridged  from  a  communication  in  the  Mass.  His. 
Coll.  furnished  by  the  research  of  the  late  Dr.  Mann,  formerly 
of  Wrentham.  It  rests  upon  the  authority  of  tradition,  but  ap- 
pears to  be  well  authenticated. 

A  man  by  the  name  of  Rocket,  in  searching  for  a  stray 
horse,  discovered  a  train  of  42  Indians,  about  sunset ;  from 
their  appearance  he  suspected  they  intended  to  attack  the  set- 
tlement at  Wrentham,  the  next  morning,  after  the  men  had 
dispersed  to  their  work  ;  he  therefore  followed  them,  secretly, 
till  they  halted  for  the  night,  when  he  hastily  returned  to  the 
settlement  and  gave  notice  to  the  inhabitants.  A  consultation 
was  held,  at  which  it  was  agreed  to  attack  the  Indians  early 
the  next  morning.  A  company  of  13  under  the  command  of 
Capt.  Ware,  was  hastily  collected  from  Wrentham  and  the  vi- 
cinity ;  who,  having  secured  the  women  and  children  and  the 
infirm  in  the  Garrison,  set  out  for  the  Indian  encampment, 
where  they  arrived  just  before  day  light ;  and  were  posted 
within  a  short  distance,  with  orders  to  reserve  their  fire  till  the 
enemy  began  to  decamp. 

Between  day  light  and  sun-rise  the  Indians  suddenly  rose 
from  their  resting  places,  when,  upon  a  signal  given,  a  gener- 
al discharge  was  made,  which  threw  them  into  the  utmost  con- 
sternation.    Some,  in  their  confusion,  while  attempting  to  es- 


51 

cape,  leaped  down  a  precipice  of  rocks  from  10  to  20  feet  in 
height ;  some  of  the  fugitives  were  overtaken  and  slain.  Two 
of  them,  who  were  closely  pursued,  attempted  to  conceal  them- 
selves in  Mill  Brook,  where  they  were  found  and  killed.  It  is 
related  that  one  Woodcock  discharged  his  long  musket  called, 
in  those  days,  a  buccaneer,  at  a  fugitive  Indian,  at  the  distance 
of  80  rods,  and  broke  his  thigh  bone,  and  then  killed  him. 

The  number  of  Indians  killed  was  from  20  to  24 ;  and  not  one 
of  the  whites.  The  place,  where  this  bold  adventure  occur- 
red, is  in  that  part  of  the  ancient  Wrentham  which  is  now 
Franklin.  The  large  rock  where  the  Indians  were  encamped, 
is  to  this  day,  called  Indian  Rock.  The  time  is  not  certainly 
ascertained ;  but  it  was,  without  much  doubt,  in  the  Spring  or 
Summer  of  1676,  when  the  Indian  forces  were  dispersed  in 
parties  throughout  the  country. 

Nine  Men's  Misery.  This  is  the  name  of  a  spot  in  Cum- 
berland, R.  I.  where  nine  men  were  slain  in  Phillip's  war. 
This  place  is  near  the  house  of  the  late  Elisha  Waterman,  Esq. 
just  north  of  •  Camp  Swamp'  (so  called.)  The  only  circum- 
stances of  this  event  which  I  have  gathered  are  these :  A  com- 
pany of  nine  men  were  in  advance  of,  or  had  strayed  from 
their  party  for  some  purpose,  when  they  discovered  a  number 
of  Indians  near  this  spot,  whom  they  immediately  pursued  and 
attacked,  but  a  large  number  of  the  enemy  rushed  out  of  the 
swamp  and  surrounded  them.  The  whites,  placing  their  backs 
to  a  large  rock  near  by,  fought  with  desperation  till  every  one 
of  them  was  killed  on  the  spot.  The  rest  of  their  party,  who 
were  within  hearing  of  their  guns,  hastened  to  their  succor, 
but  arrived  too  late  to  render  them  any  assistance.  Their 
bodies  were  buried  on  the  spot,  which  is  now  designated  by  a 
large  pile  of  stones. 

I  have  seen  no  notice  of  this  occurrence  in  history  ;  but  as  to 
the  main  fact  there  can  be  no  doubt.  The  bones  of  these  men 
were  disinterred  not  many  years  ago,  by  some  physicians  (for 
anatomical  purposes)  and  were  found  nearly  perfect.  But  the 
people  in  the  vicinity  insisted  upon  their  being  restored,  which 
was  accordingly  done.     One    of  the  slain   was   ascertained  to 


52 


be  a  Bucklin  of  Rehobotfe,  from  the  remarkable  circumstance 
of  a  set  of  double  front  teeth  which  he  was  known  to  possess. 

The  time  when  this  happened  none  of  my  informants  can 
tell ;  but  there  is  some  reason  for  believing  that  it  was  at  or 
about  the  time  of  Pierce's  fight.* 

THE  MINISTRY. 

The*  town  was  not  able  to  support  a  preacher  for  several 
years  after  the  incorporation. 

The  first  settled  minister  in  this  town  was  the  Rev.  Matthew 
Short.  He  was  chosen  Oct.  1st  1711,  and  ordained  Nov.  12th 
1712.  Difficulties  soon  arose  between  him  and  his  people, 
which  (after  many  ineffectual  attempts  to  reconcile  them)  fi- 
nally resulted  in  his  dismission  May  31st,  1715.  He  continu- 
ed in  this  town  only  about  four  years,  having  preached  one 
year  before  his  ordination.  Of  the  previous  or  subsequent 
history  of  Mr.  Short  but  little  is  known.  He  removed  to  Eas- 
ton  and  became  the  first  settled  minister  of  that  town. 

According  to  the  articles  of  agreement  made  with  Mr.  Short, 
Dec.  20th,  1711,  he  was  to  have  <£50  a  year  for  the  first  six 
years  ;  one  third  to  be  in  money,  and  '  the  other  two  thirds  in 
grain,  beef,  pork,  butter  or  cheese,  any  or  either  of  them  at 
current  price. 't  At  the  7th  year  his  salary  was  to  be  raised 
to  .£60,  payable  as  above,  and  there  to  continue  until  there 
should  be  100  families  in  town  capable  of  paying  public  taxes 
in  the  judgment  of  the  selectmen  for  the  time  being,  and  then 
it  was  to  be  c£70  per  annum.  He  was  also  to  have  the  use  of 
the  Ministerial  house  and  lands  so  long  as  he  should  continue 
in  his  pastoral  office. 

Mr.  Short  was  married  to  Miss  Margaret  Freeman  of  Attle- 
borough,  by  Justice  Leonard,  Dec.  27th,  1711.  He  had  two 
daughters  while  in  this  town,  Anna  and  Judith. 


*  Several  of  the  Rehoboth  people  were  slain  the  26th  March,  1676,  the 
time  of  Pierce's  fight ;  viz.  John  Fitcb,  Jr.  John  Read,  Jr.  Benjamin  Buck" 
land,  John  Miller,  Jr.  Robert  Beers  (an  Irishman  and  then  an  inhabitant  of 
Rehoboth)  was  slain  the  28th  March ;  Nehemiah  Sabin,  in  June  following. 

t  These  articles  were  then  valued  as  follows;  Indian  corn,  2  shil.  6d. per 
bushel ;  rye,  3  shil.  6d.  per  bushel ;  pork,  3d.  per  lb  ;  beef,  2d.  per  lb  ;  but- 
ter, 6d.  per  lb;  and  good  new  milk  cheese  4d.  per  lb. 


53 

The  first  meeting  house  was  built  in  1710.  It  was  not,  how- 
ever, entirely  completed  until  1714.  It  was  30  feet  square  ; 
and  stood  on  the  spot  where  the  Hall  of  the  Agricultural  Soci- 
ety now  stands.* 

A  few  extracts  from  the  records  detailing  more  particularly 
the  early  proceedings  relative  to  the  settlement  of  the  first 
minister  will  be  acceptable  to  the  present  generation. 

March  25th,  1707.  *  The  meeting  then  held  was  for  the 
choosing  of  a  learned  orthodox  minister  of  good  conversation 
to  dispense  the  word  of  God  to  us  in  Attleborough ;  voted  to 
give  Mr.  Fiske  a  call  to  preach  for  us.  Likewise  a  committee 
of  nine  was  chosen  to  procure  a  minister  to  settle.  It  was 
likewise  voted  to  empower  the  said  committee  to  treat  with 
the  said  Mr.  Fiske  as  to  his  dispensing  the  word  of  God 
amongst  us,  and  to  settle  him,  if  he  may  be  obtained ;  and  if 
he  may  not,  then  any  other  minister  that  the  town  shall  call, 
being  approved  by  the  neighboring  ministers. 

May  20th,  1707.  Voted  to  give  Mr.  More  a  call  to  preach 
amongst  us  and  to  settle  if  he  may  be  obtained. 

June,  1707.  Voted  that  Hezekiah  Peck  and  Jonathan  Ful- 
ler be  a  committee  to  see  and  get  a  petition  written  to  the 
General  Court  for  some  help  towards  the  maintenance  of  a 
minister.! 

The  sum  of  £80  had  been  granted  by  the  town,  Nov.  22d, 
1705,  towards  building  a  minister's  house,  £35  of  which  had 
been  collected;  and  on  the  2d  July  1707,  the  town  voted  that 
the  remaining  £4:5  should  be  levied  and  collected. 

June  15th,  1708.  The  meeting  then  held  was  for  the  choos- 
ing of  an  able  and  orthodox  minister  to  serve  us   in  the  work 

*  At  a  town  meeting  Feb.  9tb,  1709—10,  Voted  to  build  a  meeting  house 
SO  feet  square  and  16  feet  between  joints,  and  to  set  it  upon  a  piece  of  land 
on  the  east  side  of  the  country  road  near  to  the  house  of  Christopher  Hall, 
and  to  get  the  timber  for  said  house  and  to  frame  and  raise  it  by  the  1st  of 
June  next.  This  lot  of  land  was  given  to  the  town  for  this  purpose  by 
Lieut.  Moses  Read. 

tin  1710  the  Mile  and  Half  was  re-annexed  to  this  town,  which  restored 
fourteen  families,  and  enabled  the  people  to  support  a  preacher  without  oth- 
er assistance. 

8 


54 

of  the  ministry  in  this  place  ;  it  was  voted  that  the  committee 
should  treat  with  Mr.  Wiswell  to  dispense  the  word  of  God  to 
us  if  he  may  be  obtained;  if  not,  then  with  Mr.  Fisher,  if  he 
may  be  obtained  ;  if  not,  then  with  Mr.  Hunt,  if  he  may  be 
obtained ;  if  not,  then  with  Mr.  Devotion,  and  if  neither  of 
them  may  be  obtained,  then  they  may  treat  with  any  other 
that  shall  be  allowed  of  by  the  neighboring  ministers,  until 
they  have  settled  one  in  Attleborough.* 

July  28th,  1710.  Chose  Mr.  Ebenezer  White  for  our  minis- 
ter, if  he  will  stay  with  us,  if  not,  then  Mr.  Myles.  Mr.  White, 
it  appears,  did  not  at  this  time  accept  the  invitation  to  settle. 
He  however  preached  for  them  nearly  a  year. 

Oct.  9th,  1710.  Chose  a  committee  to  see  to  the  finishing 
of  the  meeting  house,  and  the  1st  January  next  ensuing  was 
the  time  fixed  for  finishing  it.  Voted  to  raise  a  tax  of  £60  as 
a  fund  for  said  work,  £5  to  be  in  money,  and  the  rest  in  corn, 
rye,  beef  and  pork,  or  in  materials  for  the  building. 

Nov.  20th,  1710.  Voted  that  the  house  which  is  built  on  the 
ministerial  lot  should  be  given  to  the  first  minister  that  shall 
serve  the  town  seven  years  in  the  office  of  a  minister,  and  so 
living  and  dying  amongst  us,  then  to  be  his  and  his  heirs  for- 
ever.t 

Oct.  1st,  1711.     At  a  meeting  for  the  choice  of  an   able  or- 
thodox minister  to  dispense  the  word  of  God  to  us  in  Attlebo- 
*  rough,  the  town  chose  Mr.  Matthew  Short  for  their  minister.J 

Nov.  5,  1711.  Granted  a  tax  of  £25  towards  paying  Mr. 
Short ;  <£10  in  money  and  the  other  .£15  in  grain,  pork,  beef, 
butter,  cheese,  at  current  price. 


*  The  inhabitants  were  so  few  (consisting  of  about  16  families  exclusive 
of  the  14  who  had  been  annexed  to  Rehobotb)  that  they  were  not  able  to 
afford  a  competent  salary,  which  was  probably  the  cause  of  their  embarrass- 
ment in  the  settlement  of  a  minister. 

t  The  next  settled  minister  acquired  the  property  of  this  bouse  (and  also 
the  ministerial  farm  as  will  subsequently  appear)  by  having  fulfilled  the 
condition  of  the  grant. 

$  March  18,  1711—12.  4  Voted  to  build  a  pew  for  the  minister  in  the 
meeting  house,  and  also  agreed  that  Mrs.  Short  shall  have  the  benefit  and 
privilege  of  sitting  in  the  same  during  her  abode  in  Attleborough. 


55       , 

The  second  minister  in  town  was  Rev.  EbeneZer  White.* 
He  was  chosen  by  the  people  July  18th,  1715  ;  ordained  Oct. 
17th,  1716.  He  was  minister  of  the  town  11  years  ;  and  re- 
mained here  till  his  death,  Sept.  4th,  1726.  So  far  as  appears, 
he  gave  general  satisfaction.  He  married  Abigail  Paine,  and 
had  several  children,  Hannah,  Martha,  Edward,  Experience, 
and  Thankful ;  and  two  others  who  died  infants. 

Besides  his  regular  salary  Mr.  White  acquired  a  title  to  the 
Ministerial  farm  and  house  (so  called)  by  having  fulfilled  the 
condition  of  the  grant. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Proprietors  of  the  N.  Purchase,  Sept. 
16,  1707,  it  was  unanimously  voted,  *  that  the  surveyor  with 
the  major  part  of  the  committee  should  forthwith  lay  out  a  hun- 
dred acres  of  land  within  said  Purchase,  which  shall  be  the 
first  settled  minister's, in  Attleborough,  that  continueth  to  be 
their  minister  for  the  space  of  seven  years  ;  said  land  to  be 
said  minister's,  and  his  heirs'  and  assigns'  forever.'  N.  P. 
Rec.  2  Book,  p.  3.     Laid  out  and  Recorded  1  B.p.  197,  199. 

Several  other  grants  and  gifts  have  been  made  to  the  town 
for  the  use  of  the  ministry. 

The  Ministerial  Lot  (which  has  been  a  subject  of  so  much 
controversy  in  modern  days)  was  granted  at  ah  adjourned 
meeting  of  the  Proprietors  held  at  Rehoboth  June  29,  1685, 
in  the  words  following :  ■  It  was  likewise  voted  and  agreed  up- 
on (nemine  contradicente,)  that  a  hundred  acres  of  land  be 
forthwith  laid  out  at  the  Seven  Mile  River,  where  Rice  Leon- 
ard's lot  was,  and  as  near  adjacent  as  may  be ;  which  said 
hundred  acres  of  land  perpetually  to  be  reserved  for  the  Min- 
istry.' Rehoboth  Town  Rec.  2  B.  p.  48.  Bounds  recorded  N. 
P.  Reel  B.p.  197. 

The  lot  where  the  first  meeting  house  stood  was  given  by 
Lieut.  Moses  Read. 

*  Oct.  16,  1712.     Laid  out  to  Lieut.  Moses  Read  two  acres  of 
land  by  the  meeting  house  ;  bounded  S.  the  stated  road ;  E.  the 
foot  of  the  hill ;  N.  the  land  of  the  heirs  of  Christopher  Hall  ; 
W.  the  country  road.     The    above  said   land   the  said  Lieut. 

*  Son  of  Jamss  White  of  Dorchester,  Ms.  baptized  July  12, 1685  gradua- 
ted, Har.  Col.  1703. 


56 

Read  gave  to  the  town  of  Attleborough  for  public  use  forever, 
and  ordered  it  so  to  be  put  on  record,  as  is  attest  by  me 

DANIEL  SMITH,  Clerk.' 
R.  N.  P.  Rec.  1  B.  p.  302. 

Allowance  for  a  highway  through  said  lot,  2  B.  p.  129. 

Nov.  1st,  1734.  Noah  Carpenter,  Sen.  and  Caleb  Hall  of 
Attleborough,  *  in  consideration  of  love,  good  will  and  affec- 
tion which  we  have  and  do  bear  towards  the  church  and  con- 
gregation of  the  said  Attleborough,  called  by  the  name  of  the 
Presbyterian,'  have  given,  granted,  conveyed,  &c.  unto  them, 
their  heirs  and  assigns  forever,  that  is  to  be  understood  for  the 
especial  use,  benefit  and  privilege  of  that  society  forever,  a 
certain  tract  of  land  containing  about  45  rods,  where  the  new 
meeting  house  now  stands,  bounded  by  the  said  Carpenter's 
and  the  said  Hall's  lands  and  by  the  country  road,  &c.  &c— ■ 
R.N.  P.  Rec.  2  B.  p.  126. 

Rev.  Habijah  Weld,  the  third  minister  of  Attleborough,  was 
distinguished  for  his  usefulness  in  the  ministry,  and  highly  re- 
spected as  a  man  both  at  home  and  abroad.  He  united,  to  an 
uncommon  degree,  the  affections  of  his  people,  for  the  long  pe- 
riod of  nearly  55  years  during  which  he  was  their  pastor.  He 
was  a  man  of  talents  and  respectable  acquirements  ;  and  was 
extensively  known.  His  character  deserves  a  more  particular 
notice. 

He  was  born  in  Dunstable,  Mass.  Sept.  2d.  1702  ;  graduated 
at  Cambridge  University  in  1723  ;  and  was  ordained  pastor  of 
the  first  Church  and  Congregation  in  this  town,  Oct.  1st.  1727. 
He  died  May  14th,  1782,  in  the  80th  year  of  his  age,  and  the 
55th  of  his  ministry.  The  following  notice  of  his  character  is 
extracted  from  a  communication  in  Dr.  Dwights'  Travels,  from 
the  Hon.  David  Daggett,  now  Chief  Justice  of  the  Supreme 
Court  of  Connecticut. 

*  Mr.  Weld  was  below  the  middle  stature  ;  and  in  the  latter 
part  of  his  life,  corpulent.  His  constitution  was  vigorous;  and 
his  mind  almost  singularly  energetic.  The  stipend,  which  he 
received  from  his  parishioners,  consisted  of  an  annual  salary 
of  two  hundred  and  [twenty  dollars  ;  and  the  use  of  a  parson- 
age lot,  which  furnished  him  with  wood,  and  a  little  pasture.— 


57 

With  his  patrimony  he  purchased  a  farm  of  about  70  acres,  of 
moderately  good  land  and  a  decent  house.  He  had  fifteen 
children  ;  ten  of  whom  were  married  during  his  life,  and  one 
after  his  death.  The  remaining  four  died  while  young.  This 
numerous  family  he  educated  with  the  means  which  have  been 
mentioned,  in  a  manner,  superior  to  what  is  usually  found  in 
similar  circumstances  ;  entertained  much  company  in  a  style  of 
genuine  hospitality  ;  and  was  always  prepared  to  contribute  to 
the  necessities  of  others. 

For  the  regulation  of  his  domestic  concerns,  Mr.  Weld  pre- 
scribed to  himself  and  his  family  a  fixed  system  of  rules,  which 
were  invariably  observed,  and  contributed  not  a  little  to  the 
pleasantness  and  prosperity  of  his  life.  His  children,  labor- 
ers, and  servants  submitted  to  them  with  cheerfulness  ;  and  his 
house  became  the  seat  of  absolute  industry,  peace  and  good  or- 
der. Breakfast  was  on  the  table  precisely  at  six  o'clock  ;  din- 
ner, at  twelve  ;  and  supper,  at  six  in  the  evening.  After  sup- 
per he  neither  made  visits  himself,  nor  permitted  any  of  his 
family  to  make  them.' 

His  observation  of  the  Sabbath  was  peculiarly  exemplary. 
He  permitted  no  act  to  be  done  in  his  house  on  that  day,  ex- 
cept such  as  were  acts  of  necessity  and  mercy  in  the  stiict 
sense. 

1  Mr.  Weld  was  naturally  of  a  very  ardent  disposition.  Yet 
so  entirely  had  he  acquired  an  ascendency  over  his  temper, 
that  a  censurable,  or  imprudent  act  is  not  known  to  have  been 
done  by  him,  nor  an  improper  word  uttered.  To  vice  and  li- 
centiousness, in  every  form,  he  gave  no  indulgence,  either  in 
his  conversation,  or  his  public  instructions.  On  the  contrary, 
idleness,  intemperance,  profaneness,   and  all  kinds  of  immoral 

conduct,  were  reproved   by  him   with   undeviating  severity. 

His  example  in  the  practice  of  every  virtue  was  such,  as  to  cre- 
ate in  all  classes  of  men  entire  veneration  for  his  character. 

It  is  doubtedVhether  any  person  ever  uttered  a  reproach  against 
Mr.  Weld. 

Nor  was  his  piety  less  remarkable.  Since  the  days  of  the 
Apostles,  it  is  questioned  whether  his  zeal,  fidelity,  and  intre- 
pidity in  the  cause  of  his  divine  Master  have  been  excelled.— 


58 

During  the  long  period  of  55  years,  he  was  never  once  detain- 
ed from  the  pulpit  by  disease,  nor  from  any  other  of  his  pasto- 
ral duties.  His  prayers  were  wholly  formed  by  himself;  and 
adapted  with  strict  propriety  to  the  various  occasions  on  which 
they  were  made.  They  were  pertinent,  solemn,  and  impres- 
sive. His  sermons  were  written,  and  were  usually  delivered 
without  variation  from  his  notes.  Yet  at  times  he  addressed 
his  congregation  extemporaneously  in  a  manner  eminently  for- 
cible and  affecting.         *         *         * 

In  his  parochial  visits  he  was  accustomed  to  address  the 
truths  and  duties  of  the  gospel  to  the  hearts  and  consciences  of 
the  family  ;  and  never  lost  sight  of  the  eternal  interests  of  his 
congregation.  And,  while  he  administered  the  balm  of  life  to 
the  wounded  spirit,  he  addressed  the  most  solemn  alarms,  as 
well  as  the  most  pungent  reproofs  to  stubborness  and  impiety. 

Mr.  Weld  continued  his  labors  to  the  sabbath  before  his 
death,  without  any  visible  decline  in  his  powers  either  of  body 
or  mind.  On  that  Sabbath  he  preached  two  sermons  from 
these  words  :  "He  that  believeth,  and  is  baptized,  shall  be  sav- 
ed ;  and  he  that  believeth  not  shall  be  damned."  On  the  Tues- 
day following  he  rode  in  his  chaise  to  Providence,  ten  miles  ; 
returned  about  four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  ;  walked  into  the 
house  ;  told  his  wife,  that  he  was  unwell ;  requested  her  to  op- 
en a  window,  as  he  found  a  difficulty  in  breathing  ;  sat  down  ; 
and  instantly  expired,  of  an  Apoplexy.  So  well  were  his  secu- 
lar concerns  arranged  for  his  departure,  that  the  settlement  of 
his  estate  cost  less  than  five  dollars.  His  excellent  wife  sur- 
vived him  many  years  ;  and  died  after  she  had  passed  the  age 
of  ninety,  universally  lamented. 

At  the  death  of  Mr.  Weld,  only  one  of  his  congregation  was 
living,  of  those  who  assisted  in  his  settlement.  His  parishion- 
ers showed  their  sense  of  the  loss,  which  they  sustained  in  his 
death,  by  an  universal  mourning. 

The  house  of  this  gentleman  was  the  resort  of  many  distin- 
guished persons  from  Boston,  Providence,  and  various  other 
parts  of  New  England  ;  and  in  no  house  were  they  received  and 
treated  with  more  hospitality.  His  manners  were  at  once  dig- 
nified and  polite  ;  and  every  member  of  his  family  was  courte- 


69 

ous  and  well  bred.  Nothing  was  seen  among  them  but  harmo- 
ny and  goodwill. 

That  with  such  an  income  Mr.  Weld  could  support  so  large 
a  family,  and  live  in  so  hospitable  a  manner,  will  certainly  ex- 
cite not  a  little  wonder.  The  explanation  is  found  in  his  in- 
dustry, regularity,  and  exactness,  in  all  his  concerns.  Every 
thing  was  managed  in  such  a  manner,  that  almost  in  the  liter- 
al sense  nothing  was  lost. 

1  In  my  opinion,'  adds  Mr.  D.  '  Mr.  Weld  was  a  more  strict 
observer  of  the  divine  law,  and  more  eminently  holy,  than  any 
man  whom  I  ever  knew.' 

Permit  me  to  subjoin,  says  Dr.  Dwight,  that  if  all  clergymen 
sustained  the  same  character,  and  lived  in  the  same  manner, 
the  world  would  speedily  assume  a  new  aspect,  and  its  inhabit- 
ants, a  new  character." 

Mr.  Weld  married  Mary  Fox,  by  whom  he  had  15  children, 
4  sons,  and  11  daughters  who  were  married  as  follows  :  Jon- 
athan Philbrook  of  Boston  to  Dorothy  Weld  Aug.  7th,  1759  ; 
Rev.  Oliver  Noble  of  Newburyport  to  Lucy  Weld,  May  15th, 
1760  ;  Doct.  Cardee  Parker  of  Coventry,  Ct.  to  Mary  Weld, 
April  15th,  1762  ;  Caleb  Fuller  of  Windsor,  county  of  Ware, 
Me.  to  Hannah  Weld,  Oct.  23,  1762  ;  Rev.  Ezra  Weld  to  An- 
na Weld,  Feb.  9,  1764  ;  Rev.  Oakes  Shaw  of  Barnstable  to 
Elizabeth  Weld,  July  19,  1764;  Rev.  Timothy  Alden  of  Yar- 
mouth to  Sarah  Weld,  Nov.  22d,  1770  ;  Eliphaz  Day  of  Attle- 
boro'  to  Eunice  Weld. 

In  1728  a  new  meeting  house  was  built  by  the  town. 

May  13,  1728.  The  town  voted  to  enlarge  the  meeting 
house  by  making  an  addition  of  20  feet  to  the  north  end.  But 
in  September  following,  a  number  of  individuals  engaged  by 
subscription  to  advance  the  sum  of  <£234  10s.  (in  addition  to 
their  proportion  of  the  taxes)  towards  defraying  the  expenses 
of  a  new  meeting  house,  if  the  town  would  agree  to  build 
anew,  instead  of  enlarging  the  old.  The  town  accordingly 
voted,  Nov.  IS,  1728,  to  build  a  new  house,  and  ordered  it  to 
be  50  feet  In  length,  40  feet  in  breadth,  and  of  a  suitable 
heighth  for  one  tier  of  galleries  ;  and  that  it  '  shall  stand  on  a 


60 

little  hill  on  the  north  side  of  the  Pound,  about  15  or  16  rods 
from  the  old  meeting  house.'* 

The  town  constituted  one  Parish  until  April  7th,  1743,  when 
it  was  divided  into  >  two  distinct  and  separate  '  Parishes  or  Pre- 
cincts by  an  act  of  the  Legislature.     The  West  constituted  the 
first,  and  the  East,  the  second  Precinct. 

Extracts  from  the  Records  op  the  first  Parish. 

Sept.  18th  1744.  The  sum  of i£12,  14s.  was  granted  to  the 
second  precinct.  This  was  probably  a  part  of  their  share  in 
the  meetinghouse. 

March  27,  1777-t  The  salaiy  of  their  minister,  Mr.  Weld, 
was  <£66,  13s.  4<7. 

Sept.  21st,  1779.  Voted  to  raise  Rev.  Mr.  Weld's  salary  to 
8600.  Paper  currency  was  much  depreciated.  Sept.  29th, 
1779,  Voted  to  double  his  salary  for  the  year. 

March  28,  1780.  A  meeting  was  called  'to  see  if  the  Pre- 
cinct will  apply  to  some  one  to  assist  Mr.  Weld,  in  the  work 
of  the  ministry,  under  his  present  indisposition  of  body,'  4*c. 
Voted  that  the  two  Deacons  see  that  the  pulpit  is  supplied  in 
case  Mr.  Weld  is  unable  to  preach. 

June  3d,  1782.  A  meeting  was  held  *  to  see  if  the  Precinct 
will  agree  to  pay  the  funeral  charges  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Weld, 
late  of  Attleborough,  deceased.'  2d.  'To  see  if  the  Precinct 
will  choose  a  committee  to  seek  a  supply  occasioned  by  the 
death  of  our  late  Pastor.' 

From  this  time  till  the  settlement  of  Mr.  Wilder,  in  1790, 
nearly  8  years,  the  parish  was  destitute  of  a  settled  minister. 
The  people  were  very  much  divided  on  this  subject.     Many  un- 


*  It  was  voted  that  those  parts  of  the  town  which  may  be  hereafter  set 
off  as  a  precinct  or  town  shall  have  the  money  repaid  to  them,  which  they 
now  pay  towards  the  new  meeting  house. 

t  The  last  meeting,  under  the  Provincial  Government  (March  1776)  was 
warned,  as  usual,  'in  the  name  of  his  Majesty  the  King  of  England, ■  &c.  but 
the  next  one,  17th  Sept.  following,  soon  after  the  declaration  of  Indepen- 
dence, was  warned  'in  the  name  of  these  States  and  in  behalf  of  the  good 
people  of  this  Province,*  &c. 


61 

successful  attempts  were  made  to  settle  a  minister  ;  numerous 
candidates  were  called  ;  but  the  people  could  make  no  choice. 
They  had  been  long:  united  and  harmonious  under  the  ministry 
of  Mr.  Weld  ;  some  diversity  of  opinion  and  alienation  of  feel- 
ing were  to  be  expected  after  so  long  a  calm. 

Aug.  27,  '82.  Voted  to  hire  Rev.  Mr.  Morey  six  weeks 
longer.  Oct.  30,  '82.  A  meeting  was  called  ■  to  see  if  the 
Precinct  will  give  Mr.  Morey  a  call  to  settle  in  the  ministry.' 
1st.  'Voted  to  give  him  a  call.     2d.  Voted  to  re-consider  it.' 

Feb.  26,  '83.  Voted  to  treat  with  a  committee  in  second 
Precinct  relative  to  Ministerial  Lands.  There  was  a  dispute 
between  the  two  parishes  for  a  long  time  in  regard  to  their  rel- 
ative rights  to  these  lands,  which  was  finally  terminated,  I  be- 
lieve, by  payment  of  a  certain  sum  to  the  2d  parish. 

At  the  same  meeting,  voted  to  hire  Rev.  Mr.  Bradford  3 
months.  Voted  to  buy  100  sermons  delivered  by  Rev.  Mr. 
Thacher,*  on  the  death  of  Rev.  Mr.  Weld.  Voted  to  apply  to 
Rev.  Mr.  Spalding  of  Killingly,  Ct.  to  come  and  preach  a  few 
weeks.' 

Aug.  18,  '83.  Voted  'to  send  to  the  President  t  of  Yale  Col- 
lege to  send  us  a  candidate.'  He  accordingly  sent  them  a 
young  man,  who  it  appears,  was  not  acceptable. 

Oct,  29,  '83.  Voted  to  choose  a  committee  to  consult  law- 
yer BradfordJ  concerning  the  Ministerial  Lands. 

Dec.  15,  '83.  Rev.  Mr.  Britt  was  preaching  as  a  candidate. 
Subsequently  Rev.  Mr.  Avery, — then  a  Mr.  March— Mr.  Hart 
of  Preston,  Ct. — Mr.  Damon,— Mr.  Plum.  'Voted  to  send  for 
Mr.  Huntington  to  preach  for  us.'  Before  the  arrival  of  Mr. 
Wilder,  many  other  names  of  candidates  appear.  So  irrecon- 
cilable were  the  feelings,  or  opinions,  or  both,  of  the  parish, 
that  it  seemed  next  to  impossible  to  make  a  selection.  So  great 
was  the  distress  of  the  people,  amidst  their  divisions,  that  they 


*  The  first  settled  minister  of  the  second  precinct.     It  was  delivered  be- 
fore Mr.  Weld's  parishioners  the  Sabbath  after  his  death. 

|  Rev.  Napthali  Daggett,  who  was  a  native   of  this  town,  which  is  the 
reason  of  their  application  to  him. 

£  This  Bradford   was  afterwards  Lieut.  Governor  of   II.  Island—  a  maa 
very  popular  at  that  time,  in  his  profession. 
9 


63 

at  last  appointed  a  *  Fast  on  account  of  their  present  difficul- 
ties.' In  this  they  hit  upon  the  right  expedient,  for  it  seemed 
to  have  a  very  happy  effect,  as  they  soon  after  agreed  on  a 
candidate,  the  Rev.  John  Wilder,  who,  at  a  meeting,  Jan.  4, 
1790,  gave  an  answer  accepting  the  proposals  of  the  parish — 
which  terminated  their  long  and  troublesome  contest.  He  was 
ordained,  Jan.  27th,  1790. 

Rev.  John  Wilder  was  dismissed  Nov.  28th,  1822.  He  had 
been  the  settled  minister  of  that  parish  upwards  of  32  years. 

To  him  succeeded  Rev.  Thomas  Williams,  fomeriy  of  Con- 
necticut, who  was  installed  Sept.  29th,  1824.  His  connection 
with  the  parish  was  dissolved  Dec.  11th,  1827. 

The  next  settled  minister  was  Rev.  Charles  J.  Warren,  who 
was  ordained  Feb.  28th,  1828,  and    dismissed  July  8th,  1830. 

There  is  at  present  no  settled  minister  connected  with  that 
church. 

The  new  meeting  House,  being  the  third  in  that  society,  was 
built  in  the  summer  of  1828,  and  dedicated  Jan.  1st,  1829. 

EAST  PARISH. 

This  parish  was  divided  from  the  other  April  7th,  1743, 
about  90  years  ago. 

The  first  meeting  of  the  Parish  was  the  6th  of  June  succeed- 
ing. On  the  20th  of  the  same  month,  a  meeting  was  called 
*  to  consider  and  see  what  the  Parish  will  do  in  order  to  plac- 
ing a  meeting  house  for  the  public  worship  of  God.'  This  is 
the  first  record  of  an  attempt  to  build  a  meeting  house  in  this 
part  of  the  town.  At  the  same  time  a  committee  was  chosen 
'  to  agree  with  Mr.  Willis,  or  some  other  man  for  the  present.' 
It  was  also  *  voted  to  choose  a  committee  of  two  who  should 
apply,  in  the  first  place,  to  Rev.  Mr.  Willis,  and  if  he  cannot 
be  obtained,  then  to  Mr.  Read,  and  if  he  cannot  be  obtained, 
then  to  Mr.  Peter  Thacher.' 

At  said  meeting  it  was  voted  to  set  their   Meeting  House  on 
the  Plain  'where  the  roads  meet  or  cross  each  other.' 

It  appears  by  the  records  of  the  next  meeting  that  they  had 
hired  Mr.  Thacher  for  a  time.     He  was  the  first  minister  who 


63 

preached  here.     He  commenced  August  20th,   1743,   but  wai 
not  ordained  and  settled  till  Nov.  30th,  1748,  about  5  years. 

Sept.  6,  1743.  'Voted  to  proceed  forthwith  to  build  a  meet- 
ing House  forihe  public  worship  of  God.'  The  house  was  to 
be  35  feet  square  and  high  enough  for  one  tier  of  galleries.  A 
committee  was  chosen  '  to  carry  on  the  building  of  said  house.' 
At  a  subsequent  meeting  Oct.  18,  1743,  'voted  to  re-consider 
the  vote  relating  to  the  dimensions  of  the  meeting  house,  and 
to  build  one  45  feet  long,  and  35  feet  wide,  and  high  enough 
for  one  tier  of  galleries.'  This  was  the  size  of  the  house  as  it 
was  afterwards  built.  The  M.  House  was  commenced  in  the 
Autumn  of  this  year,  but  the  interior  was  not  finished  till  sev- 
eral years  subsequently. 

On  the  1st  Nov.  following,  the  Parish  made  choice  of  Rev. 
Peter  Thacher  for  their  minister,  'by  a  free  vote  ;'  and  agreed 
to  give  him,  for  a  salary  <=£40,  yearly,  for  4  years,  and  at  the 
end  of  4  years,  to  give  him  £50  per  annum,  'current  money  ;' 
and  also  for  a  settlement  £300,  *  old  tenor,'  to  be  paid  in  4  years, 
i.  e.  one  quarter  part  each  year. 

The  present  Burying  Ground  in  East  Attleborough  was  laid 
out  Oct.  16,  1744,  as  appears  by  a  vote  of  that  date.  'Voted  to 
have  a  Burying  Place  in  the  Meeting  House  lot,  and  that  it 
should  be  at  the  Northwesterly  corner  of  said  lot.'  This  piece 
of  land  was  purchased  previously  by  the  Parish,  and  consisted 
of  two  Acres,  called  the  '  Meeting  House  Lot.' 

Dec.  21st,  1747.  Voted  to  give  Mr.  Thacher  <£600  old  ten- 
or, for  his  settlement  ;  and  also  25  cords  of  wood,  yearly. 

Oct.  28th,  1748.  Settled  Mr.  Thacher's  salary  at  .£400  per 
annum,  old  tenor,  '  reckoning  silver  money  at  55  shills.  per 
ounce,  and  to  rise  and  fall  as  silver  shall  rise  and  fall,  so  long 
as  he  shall  continue  our  minister.'  At  the  same  time  the  Par- 
ish chose  a  committee  to  provide  for  the  ordination  of  Mr. 
Thacher,  which  took  place  30th  of  the  next  month.  He  con- 
tinued the  pastor  until  Oct.  26th,  1784,  when  he  was  dismis- 
sed by  vote  of  Parish.  He  had  a  few  months  previous  to  his 
dismission,  suffered  an  attack  of  the  palsy,  (which  rendered 
him  unable  to  perform  the  duties  of  his  station)  of  which  he 
died  Sept.  13th,  1785,  in  the  70th  year  of  his  age.     H§  preach 


64 

ed  in  this  town  about  41  years— was  a  highly  respectable  and 
useful  man.  He  was  born  in  Middleboro',  and  was  the  son  of 
Rev.  Peter  Thacher  of  that  place.*  Nov.  31st,  1749,  he  married 
Bethiah,  the  oldest  daughter  of  Obediah  Carpenter,  of  Attlebo- 
rough  ;  by  whom  he  had  10  children,  7  sons  and  3  daughters. 
Several  of  his  descendants  are  living  in  this  town. 

He  published  a  Discourse  on  the  death  of  Rev.  Mr.  Weld, 
which  has  been  reprinted.  A  small  volume  of  his  sermons  was 
also  republished  in  1798,  by  his  son,  entitled,  '  Select  Discours- 
es on  Practical  Subjects.' 

After  Mr.  Thacher,  and  before  the  settlement  of  another 
minister,  there  were  several  preachers  here,  Rev.  Asahel  Hun- 
tington, Mr.  Laughton,  Mr.  Farrington,  of  Wrentham,  Mr. 
Mead,  4*c. 

The  next  settled  minister  was  the  Rev.  Ebenezer  Lazell  of 
Bridgewater,  (a  graduate  of  Brown  University,  1788)  who  was 
ordained  Nov.  21st,  1792,  and  dismissed  Jan.  3d  1797.  He 
continued  here  about  4  years. 

His  successor  was  the  Rev.  Nathan  Holman,  who  was  or- 
dained Oct.  14th,  1800,  and  was  dismissed  May  22d,  1821, 
having  been  settled  here  about  21  years.  He  graduated  at 
Brown  University  in  1797. 

The  present  minister  is  the  Rev.  John  Ferguson,  formerly 
of  Providence,  R.  I.  who  was  ordained  Feb.  27th  1822. 

A  Parsonage  House  was  built  by  the  Parish  in  1822. 

The  second  Meeting  House  in  the  East  Precinct,  was  built 
in  1825.  It  was  begun  in  the  Spring  of  that  year,  and  dedica- 
ted in  December  following.     It  cost  about  $6000. 

*  Rev. P.  Thacher,  of  Middleborough,  was  born  Oct.  6,  1688,  graduated 
at  Cambridge  University,  A.  D  1706,  ordained  at  that  place,  Nov.  2,  1709 
and  died  April  22d,  1744,  aged  56.  He  was  the  son  of  Rev.  Peter  Thacher, 
minister  of  Milton,  (by  his  wife  Theodora,  daughter  of  Rev.  John  Oxen- 
bridge)  who  was  the  son  of  Rev.  Thomas  Thacher,  of  Boston,  and  was  born 
at  Salem,  July  18  th,  1651,  graduated  at  Harvard  College,  1671,  ordained 
Junt  1st,  1681,  and  died  Dec.  27th  1727,  aged  76. 


65 


NORTH   BAPTIST  CHURCH. 

This  church  was  constituted  in  1769.  Its  existence  howev- 
er, may  be  traced  back  as  early  as  1747.  It  was  at  first  and  for 
many  years  afterwards  of  the  Congregational  order  though  dif- 
fering from  that  denomination  in  some  respects.  'There  being, 
say  the  Church  records,  a  considerable  number  of  christians  in 
this  place  that  are  dissatisfied  with  the  Constitution  of  the  stand- 
ing order  of  Churches  in  the  land  :  they  with  some  others 
formed  themselves  into  a  society  to  worship  God  according  to 
His  word  and  spirit.'  Jan.  20th,  1747,  the  Church  proceeded 
1  to  set  apart  their  esteemed  Brother  Nathaniel  Shepard  by  sol- 
emn ordination  as  their  Pastor,'  who  was  removed  by  death 
April  14th,  1752. 

It  was  from  the  commencement  a  small  and  feeble  church, 
and  continued  *  through  many  trials  and  discouragements,'  till 
the  year  1769,  when  by  vote  the  church  changed  their  consti- 
tution 'from  a  Congregational  to  a  Baptist  Church  in  what  is 
called  open  communion.'  At  this  time  there  were  6  male 
and  4  female  members  who  agreed  in  doctrine,  and  formed 
fellowship  with  Bellingham  Church.  Two  years  previous,  in 
1767,  the  church  moved  Mr.  Abraham  Bloss  from  Sturbridge 
to  Attleborough,  who  preached  here  till  his  death  Sept.  16th, 
1769. 

To  him  succeeded  Elder  Job  Seamans,  of  '  Sackville,  Cum- 
berland county,  and  Province  of  Nova  Scotia,'  now  in  the  Prov- 
ince of  New  Brunswick.  Mr.  Seamans  was  born  in  Swansea, 
Mass.  in  1748.  He  removed  to  Sackville,*  New  Brunswick, 
with  Elder  Mason's  company  who  emigrated  to  that  place  from 
Swansea,  Mass.  in  1763.  He  there  became  a  preacher.  He 
was  invited  to  become  the  pastor  of  the  church  in  this  town, 
and  removed  here.  In  1779  he,  in  conjunction  with  Elder  Biel 
Ledoyt,  of  Woodstock,  Ct.  was  appointed  by  the  Warren  Asso- 
ciation, a  Missionary  to  visit  various  parts  of  New  Hampshire. 
In  the  course  of  the  same  year  he  returned  to  Attleborough, 
where  he  remained,  till  1788.     In  1787,  May  10th,  he  request- 


*  Tbe  place  was  then  called  Tantarramar  by  the  French,  and  was  in  the 
Province  of  Nova  Scotia.— &e  Benedict's  History* 


66 

ed  a  dismission  from  the  church  in  this  place,  which  was  reluct- 
antly granted  in  June,  1788,  when  he  removed  to  New  London 
N.  H.  where  he  had  preached  during  his  mission,  and  was  set- 
tled over  the  new  Baptist  Church  in  that  place,  which  he  es- 
tablished at  the  same  time.  Here  he  continued  till  his  death 
in  1830,  at  the  advanced  age  of  82. 

Mr.  Searaans  married  Sarah  Easterbrooks,  by  whom  he  had, 
while  here,  8  children,  4  sons  and  4  daughters. 

Rev.  William  Williams,*  who  was  a  member  of  this  church, 
and  the  respected  pastor  of  the  Baptist  Society  in  Wrentham, 
occasionally  supplied  the  pulpit  during  the  vacancies  which  oc- 
curred after  the  removal  of  Mr.  Seamans. 

Nov.  1789,  Elder  Abner  Lewis  came  from  New  Bedford  to 
Attleborough,  and  continued  the  pastor  of  the  church  until 
Sept.  1795,  when  he  returned  to  New  Bedford.  After  this  Mr. 
Laben  Thurber  preached  here  till  April,  1797,  when  he  relin- 
quished the  office  of  a  religious  teacher,  and  removed  to  the 
East  part  of  the  town. 

Elder  James  Read,  who  was  then  resident  in  Assonet  village, 
Freetown,  commenced  preaching  here  in  April,  1800,  and  was 
so  well  approved,  that  in  December  of  the  same  year  the  church 
gave  him  an  invitation  to  settle,  which  was  accepted.  In  Feb- 
ury  following  he  removed  to  Attleborough  ;  and  was  installed 
Aug.  18th,  1801.— Sermon,  by  Rev.  Dr.  Gano,  Providence  : 
charge,  by  Elder  Pitman  ;  Right  hand  of  fellowship,  by  Elder 
Baker.     At  the  same  time,   Edward  Clark  was  ordained  as  an 


*  He  was  a  celebrated  instructor  of  youth.  He  commenced  a  school  for 
fitting  young  men  for  college,  near  his  Meeting  house  in  Wrentham,  which 
he  continued  for  many  years  with  distinguished  success.  He  educated  up. 
wards  of  100  students,*  the  most  of  whom  graduated  at  Brown  XJniversity 
Many  of  them  became  distinguished  men. — In  the  number  of  his  pupils  were 
Dr.  Maxcy,  Hon.  David  R.  Williams,  formerly  Governor  of  South  Caroli- 
na, Hon.  Tristani  Burges,  the  present  eloquent  member  of  Congress  from 
R.  Island,  &c. 

Mr.  Williams  himself  was  educated  at  Eaton's  Academy,  N.Jersey,  and 
graduated  at  Brown  University,  in  1769,  which  was  the  first  class  in  that 
institution.  He  married  for  his  second  wife,  Miss  Titus,  the  daughter  of 
Dea.  J.  Titus,  of  Attleborough. 

•  Benedict's  His.  Bap. 


67 

Evangelist.  Mr.  Clark  died  April  22d,  1811,  in  the  72d  year 
of  his   age. 

Elder  Read  continued  in  the  ministry  here  till  his  death. — 
He  died  Oct.  21st,  1814,  in  the  46th  year  of  his  age.  He  was 
a  worthy  and  useful  minister,  and  universally  respected  as  a 
man.  The  records  of  the  church  bear  ample  testimony  of  the 
estimation  in  which  he  was  held  by  his  people.  'In  the  prime 
of  his  life  and  in  the  midst  of  his  usefulness,  the  Lord,  who  do- 
eth  all  things  according  to  his  good  pleasure,  hath  seen  fit  to 
remove  him  from  the  church  militant  to  the  church  triumphant. 
Leaving  the  wife  of  his  youth  to  mourn  the  loss  of  a  kind  hus- 
band, and  three  children  to  mourn  the  loss  of  a  kind  parent, 
and  this  church  and  society  to  mourn  the  loss  of  a  faithful  min- 
ister of  the  Gospel,  and  one  whose  faithful  warnings  will  long 
be  had  in  remembrance  by  many  of  them.'  His  funeral  sermon 
was  preached  by  Dr.  Gano. 

April  28th,  1815.  Rev.  Stephen  S.  Nelson,  who  was  then 
preaching  in  Bellingham,  was  invited  cto  take  the  Pastoral 
care  of  this  church.'     He  was  dismissed  in  May  1820. 

Rev.  Silas  Hall,  of  Raynham,  came  here  in  1823,  and  re- 
mained four  years.  He  was  subsequently  pastor  of  the  Bap- 
tist church,  in  Taunton. 

Rev.  William  Phillips  was  ordained  over  this  church  Feb. 
1827,  and  continued  its  pastor  two  years,  when  he  was  invited 
to  Providence,  R.  I.  and  was  settled  over  the  2d  Baptist  church 
in  that  place. 

Rev.  Jonathan  E.  Forbush,  the  present  minister,  was  receiv- 
ed into  the  church  and  chosen  pastor,  April  1st,  1832. 

The  first  Meeting  House  was  not  finished  till  1784,  though 
it  was  erected  many  years  previous.  The  present  Meeting 
house  was  built  in  the  spring  of  1817. 

SOUTH  BAPTIST  CHURCH. 

This  church,  which  is  now  extinct,  was  established  as  early 
as  1760.  Its  records  cannot  be  found.  April  20th,  17S9,  the 
first  and  second  Baptist  churches  in  Attleborough  met  and 
agreed  upon  fellowship  as  sister  churches.     Elder  Elihu  Dag- 


68 

£ett*  was  the  first  preacher.  It  is  bettered  that  he  was  never 
regularly  settled  here.  He  occasionally  preached  at  the  North 
Baptist  church. 

The  next  preacher  was  Elder  Elisha  Carpenter.  He  was 
settled  as  early  as  1780,  if  not  before,  and  remained  pastor  of 
the  Church  till  about  1798,  when  he  removed  to  Providence, 
N.  Y.  where  he  died.  He  was  a  native  of  this  town — a  son  of 
Elisha  Carpenter — and  was  born  Aug.  17th,  1745.  His  wife 
was  Anna  Freeman  of  Attleborough. 

Soon  after  Elder  Carpenter's  removal,  the  church  was  dis- 
solved, and  the  members  connected  themselves  with  other 
churches  in  the  vicinity.  The  meeting  house  was  taken  down 
about  1810.  It  stood  on  the  south  side  of  the  road  leading 
from  the  late  Thomas  Cooper's  to  Capt.  Joseph  Tiffany's. 

FIRST  UNIVERSALIST  SOCIETY. 

The  first  meeting  was  held  Aug.  17th,  1816,  when  the  socie- 
ty was  organized.  It  was  incorporated  Feb.  20th  1818,  by  the 
name  of  the  '  First  Universalist  Society  in  Attleborough.' 

The  first  minister  was  the  Rev.  Richard  Carrique.  He 
commenced  preaching  here  in  1816 ;  and  was  ordained  Dec. 
29th,  1818.  A  meeting  house  was  built  in  the  summer  of  1818, 
and  dedicated  Dec.  29th  of  the  same  year.  It  stands  on  the 
old  Post  Road,  a  few  rods  south  of  the  first  Congregational 
meeting  house.     Mr.  Carrique  was  dismissed  in  March  1822. 

The  next  minister  was  the  Rev.  Robert  Rilham,  who  com- 
menced preaching  March  18th,  1822,  and  was  soon  after  in- 
stalled.    He  was  dismissed  in  April  1828. 

To  him  succeeded  the  present  minister  the  Rev.  Nathaniel 
Wright,  who  was  installed  in  1828. 


*He  was  the  son  of  Dea.  May  hew  Daggett ;  his  wife  was  Rebeccah 
Stanley,  daughter  of  Jacob  Stanley,  one  of  the  first  of  that  name  who  came 
here  from  Topsfield.  He  was  interred  in  the  N.  Burying  Ground.  On  his 
grave  stone  is  the  following  inscription  ;  '  Sacred  to  the  memory  of  Elder 
Elihu  Daggett,  who  died  August  29th,  1T69,  in  the  60th  year  of  his  age.1 — 
4  Sacred  to  the  memory  of  Mrs.  Rebeccah  Daggett,  (his  widow)  who  died 
September  20th,  1799,  in  the  85th  year  of  her  age. 
What  we  left  behind,  others  possess  ; 
What  we  gaik  to  the  poor}  we  carried  with  us,' 


69 


HEBRONVILLE  CHURCH. 

This  church  was  gathered  by  Rev.  Thomas  Williams  imme- 
diately after  his  dismission  from  the  West  Parish,  in  Decem- 
ber, 1827.  A  small  but  neat  meeting  house  was  built  at  the 
same  time  on  the  line  between  Attleborough  and  Seekonk,half 
in  one  town  and  half  in  the  other — to  which  (and  the  neigh- 
borhood) the  name  of  Hebronville  was  given  by  the  founder. 
Rev.  Mr.  Williams  became  its  first  pastor.  His  connection 
with  this  society  was  dissolved  in  April  1832.  The  present 
pastor  is  Rev.  Charles  Simmons. 

It  appears  from  our  records  that  the  citizens  of  the  town 
took  an  early  and  active  part  in  those  proceedings  which  final- 
ly led  to  independence.  The  spirit  of  the  Revolution  began 
to  move  the  people  as  early  as  1773.  They  began  to  discuss 
the  origin  and  foundation  of  their  rights,  and  to  proclaim,  in 
bold  language,  their  determination  to  maintain  them.  They 
strenuously  denied  the  claims  of  the  mother  country.  This 
prepared  the  way  for  that  great  contest  which  was  approach- 
ing and  which  soon  after  commenced. 

Pages  might  be  filled  wiih  the  spirited  addresses  and  resolu- 
tions adopted  in  town  meeting;  but  the  limits  of  the  work  will 
permit  only  a  brief  outline  of  the  transactions  of  that  day. 

At  a  town  meeting  Januarv  18th,  1773,  a  resolute  and  patri- 
otic address  was  adopted  and  sent  to  the  Committee  in  Bos- 
ton. It  is  too  long  to  quote  entire.  A  few  extracts  will  afford 
a  specimen. 

'  We  his  Majesty's  dutiful  and  loyal  subjects  and  freehold- 
ers of  the  town  of  Attleborough,  To  the  Committee  of  Corres- 
pondence in  Boston.' 

After  due  professions  of  '  honor  and  praise  to  George  the 
3d,  King  of  Great  Britain,'  &c,  and  praying  that  the  'golden 
chance  of  succession  by  which  the  Protestant  kings  are  held  on 
the  throne  of  Great  Britain  may  never  be  broken,'  <fcc.  the  ad- 
dress proceeds  to  say,  'Our  present  trials  are  very  great.  A 
wise  king  once  said  that  oppression  maketh  a  wise  man  mad. 
We  hope  not  to  turn  maniacs,  but  to  keep  the  advantage  of 
10 


70 

our  spirits.  We  will  pray  that  all  they  that  are  Gods  on  earth 
will  remember  that  they  must  die  like  men,  and  the  lofty,  tow- 
ering heads  of  Kings  and  Princes  must  be  brought  as  low  as 
the  meanest  subject.  And  here  we  will  make  a  pause  and  en- 
quire what  we.  have  done,  what  disloyalty  there  hath  been  in 
us  that  hath  incurred  the  displeasure  of  our  Gracious  Majesty, 
that  could  be  the  cause  of  threatening  the  ruining  of  us  his 
American  subjects.  And  to  set  things  in  a  clearer  light,  we 
maybe  justly  entitled  to  a  few  notes  of  exultation. — In  the 
year  1745,  when  the  British  trumpet  sounded  war  from  be- 
yond the  seas  to  the  Americans, — no  sooner  did  our  American 
Parliament  understand  the  certain  sound  of  the  martial  trum- 
pet but  instantaneously  a  political  convention  is  called,  faith- 
fulness aud  loyalty  in  every  countenance.  Like  Babylon  of 
old,  one  messenger  runs  to  meet  another,  and  one  post  to 
meet  another  to  tell  the  whole  Province  that  the  Kingdom 
was  invaded  at  one  end.  Forthwith  orders  are  issued  out  to 
the  Colonels,  and  from  the  Colonels  to  the  Captains,  and  at 
the  beat  of  the  Drum  volunteers  paraded  the  ground  like  well 
harnessed  soldiers  with  courage  bold,  and  like  the  war-horse 
mocking  at  fear,  marched  with  their  commanders  to  the  high 
places  of  Louisbourg — stormed  their  intrenchments  ;  made  a 
discovery  of  their  subterraneous  mines  and  galleries  ;  beat 
down  the  strong  holds ;  brake  the  jaws  of  the  Gallic  Lion, 
and  made  a  conquest  of  the  city  to  the  crown  of  Great  Brit- 
ain. And  in  the  last  war  that  hath  been  upon  us,  we  have 
joined  our  British  brethren,  warring  and  fighting  through  seas 
of  blood  until  we  subdued  the  Canadian  Province  to  the  crown 
of  our  Sovereign  Lord  George  the  3d.  And  after  all  this,  shall 
we  be  conjugated,  enslaved  and  ruined  1  Fathers,  provoke 
not  your  children  to  wrath  lest  they  be  discouraged  on  the  one 
hand,  and  encouraged  on  the  other.  We  esteem  our  privileges 
tantamount  to  our  lives,  and  the  loss  of  them  death  in  conse- 
quence ;  and  since  there  is  no  new  discovered  America  for  us 
to  flee  to,  we  are  almost  ready  to  think  that  we  will  let  go  our 
ploughshares  and  pruning  hooks  to  be  malleated  on  the  anvil, 
and  not  give  up  our  dear-bought  privileges  to  any  Power  on 
earth. 


71 

And  now  in  a  few  words  to  say  what  our  privileges  are  and 
wherein  they  are  violated:  We  think   that  our  privileges  take 
their    rise   merely    from   nature.     As  we   emigrated  from   our 
mother  country  at  our  own  expense  and  without  any  charge  to 
the  Crown  of  Great  Britain,   our  subjection  to  the   Crown   of 
Great   Britain  must  be   considered  as  an  act  of  our  own   elec- 
tion.    How  far  that  subjection  was  made  and  in  what  manner 
the  British  government  can  possibly  reach  over  the  Atlantic  to 
have  any  influence  at  all  upon    us,  is  known  only  by  the  stipu- 
lation between  us  and  the  king  of  G.  Britain  expressed  in  our 
Charter.    Although  it  be  allowed  that  any  Plantation  settled  by 
the  order  and  expense  of  any  State  remains  naturally  subjected 
to  that  State,  yet  that  not  having  been  the  case  in  our  departure 
from  G.Britain  we  utterly  disallow  any  right  of  government  over 
us  but  what  is  expressed  in  the  Charter.     We  have  no  natural 
and  necessary  connection  with  the  Crown  in  point  of  govern- 
ment but  what  springs  from  our   own  choice,  and  that    choice 
can  be  known  but  by  the   stipulation  aforesaid  which  both  ex- 
pressed] and  limiteth  the  subjection   which  was  our  choice. — 
This,  we  apprehend,  is  the  true  and  just  state  of  our  privileges, 
as   they    are  interested  in   the  present  controversy.     So  that, 
whatever  act  of  government   is   exercised  contrary  to,   or  not 
expressly  provided  for  in  the  Charter,  is  an  open  infringement 
of  our  privileges. 

The  appointment  of  a  Governor  altogether  independent  on 
us,  and  who,  according  to  the  present  state  of  things,  can  be 
under  no  influence  from  our  interest  but  whose  personal  interest 
may  naturally  put  him  to  the  utter  overthrow  of  our  whole  in- 
terest,— we  apprehend  this  to  be  an  infraction  of  our  Charter 
rights  and  privileges. — The  appointment  of  Judges  from 
home,  if  true,  or  the  maintenance  of  them  independent  upon 
us  and  dependent  entirely  upon  the  Crown,  we  think  an  in- 
fringement upon  our  Charter  rights,  and  which  tends  to  cor- 
rupt and  destroy  the  very  essence  of  our  privileges. — The  part- 
ing our  money  among  a  set  of  men  of  no  use  to  us  or  the  com- 
munity, without  our  consent,  is  a  bold  and  unjust  infringement 
upon  our  privileges. — The  subjecting  civil  cases  to  trial  by 
Court   of    Admiralty   instead  of    Juries,   and   especially  the 


n 

taking  from  us  the  right  of  trying  capital  cases  in  any  arti- 
cles, and  carrying  our  brethren,  on  suspicion  of  guilt,  from  all 
who  are  acquainted  with  their  character,  or  who  can  possibly 
do  them  justice,  and  ordering  them  to  be  transported,  at  al- 
most infinite  expense  three  thousand  miles  for  trial,  is  a  most 
barbarous,  unjust,  and  unconstitutional  affair.' 

1774. 

Sept.  12th,  The  town  chose  a  committee  to  join  with  the 
committees  of  the  other  towns  in  this  county  '  to  consult  the 
safety  and  peace  and  prosperity  thereof,  as  well  as  the  whole 
government  and  continent,  upon  any  emergency.'  The  com- 
mittee consisted  of  five,  viz.  Mr.  Edward  Richards,  Dea. 
Eben.  Lane,  Capt.  John  Daggett,  Lieut.  Moses  Wilmarth,  and 
Mr.  Elisha  May.  This  was  the  first  committee  of  safety  chos- 
en in  this  town.  The  practice  of  choosing  such  a  committee 
was  continued  till  the  close  of  the  Revolution. 

Sept.  29th.  Capt.  John  Daggett  was  chosen  Representa- 
tive to  the  General  Court  at  Salem ;  and  Dea.  Eben.  Lane,  as 
a  *  committee  man  '  to  join  the  Provincial  Congress  to  be  hold- 
en  at  Concord  on  the  second  Tuesday  of  October  next. 

Dec. 6th.  The  town  established  a  'Superior  and  an  Inferi- 
or Court  to  hear  and  determine  contrjoversies  that  have  arisen 
or  may  arise  in  this  town.'  Five  men  were  chosen  to  serve  as 
Superior  Judges,  viz.  Dea.  Eben.  Larce  1st.  Justice,  Col. 
John  Daggett  2d,  Capt.  John  Stearns  3d,  Capt.  Moses  Wil- 
marth 4th  and  Doct.  Bezeliel  Mann  5th.  Seven  were  ap- 
pointed Inferior  Judges,  viz.  Mr.  Edward  Richards,  Lieut. 
Elkonah  Wilmarth,  Capt.  Jacob  Ide,  Capt.  Stephen  Richard- 
son, Mr.  Elisha  May,  Capt.  John  Tyler,  Mr.  Wm.  Stanley. — 
At  the  same  time  it  was  voted,  *  that  we  will  comply  with, 
stand  to,  and  abide  by  the  Resolves,  Instructions  and  Direc- 
tions of  the  Continental  and  Provincial  Congresses  ;'  and  that 
1  all  persons  who  refuse  to  comply  with  them  shall  be  treated 
as  Infamous  Persons.' 

It  was  also  voted  to  choose  a  '  committee  of  Inspection  to  in- 
quire and  give  notice  of  all  persons  who  shall  presume  to  make 
use  of  any  India  Tea  after  the  first  of  March  next.'     The   'af- 


73 

fair  of  the  chest  of  tea  at  Capt  Richardson's  was  left   discre- 
tionary with  the  Selectmen.' 

These  were  no  half-way  measures,  and  were  supported 
throughout  with  the  same  resolution. 

1775. 

Jany.  2d.  Chose  Col.  John  Daggett  '  to  represent  us  at  the 
Congress  to  be  holden  at  Cambridge  on  the  1st  of  Feby.  next, 
and  to  serve  in  that  capacity  until  the  month  of  May  next  or 
until  the  time  fixed  for  the  dissolution  of  said  Congress.'  At 
the  same  time  a  committee  of  13  was  chosen  to  procure  'sub- 
scriptions for  the  relief  of  the  suffering  poor  in  the  town  of 
Boston.'* 

May  24th.  Capt.  John  Stearns  was  chosen  to  represent  the 
town  at  the  Provincial  Congress  to  be  held  in  the  meeting- 
house at  Watertown  the  31st  inst.  The  Committee  of  Corres- 
pondence, this  year,  were  Dea.  Eben.  Lane,  Doct.  Mann,  and 
Capt.  Moses  Wilmarth. 

July  10th.  Capt.  John  Stearns  was  elected  representative 
to  the  General  Court  to  be  held  at  Watertown  19th  inst. 

1776. 

March  19th.  The  Committee  of  Correspondence,  Inspec- 
tion and  Safety  were  Dea.  Lane,  Edward  Richards,  Capt.  S. 
RicharSson,  Lieut.  Alexander  Foster,  Ens.  Noah  Fuller,  Win. 
Stanley,  Capt.  Wilmarth,  Eben.  Tiffany,  Sam.  Atherton, 
Thomas  Starkey,  Elkonah  Wilmarth,  Nathaniel  Bishop,  and 
Capt.  Jacob  Ide. 

May  22d.  Capt.  John  Stearns,  Representative.  At  his  re- 
quest, a  committee,  consisting  of  Capt.  Elisha  May,  Capt. 
Stephen  Richardson,  Rev.  Peter  Thatcher,  Levi  Maxy,  and 
Lieut.  Alexander  Foster,  was  chosen  to  draw  up  instructions 
for  the  Representative,  who  made  a  report,  from  which  ex- 
tracts are  given. 
Capt.  John  Stearns, 

Sir, — The   town,   reposing  special   confidence  in  your 
ability  and  integrity,  have  chosen  you  their  representative  at 

*  This  was  on  the  occasion  of  shutting  the  Port  of  Boston  by  the  British 
Parliament. 


74 

the  Great  and  General  Court  for  this  year.  At  your  request 
we  take  the  liberty  to  suggest  the  following  things  to  your  at- 
tention as  matters  of  great  importance: 

If  the  Continental  Congress  should  think  it  best  to  declare 
for  Independency  of  Great  Britain,  we  unanimously  desire  you 
for  us  to  engage  to  defend  them  therein  with  our  lives  and  for- 
tunes. * 

The  fortifying  aud  sufficiently  providing  for  the  defence  of 
all  our  sea-port  towns,  especially  the  Metropolis  of  this  Colo- 
ny, is  of  such  consequence  as  that  parsimony  or  delay  therein 
will  be  the  worst  of  policy.  We  apprehend  that  the  raising  of 
soldiers  for  the  defence  of  the  Colony  is  retarded  and  so  ren- 
dered both  more  chargeable  and  less  useful,  for  want  of  suffi- 
cient Bounty  to  encourage  enlistments  ;  that  the  raising  fewer 
forces  at  a  time  than  is  necessary,  which  scatters  the  officers 
with  whom  whoever  enlists  will  desire  to  be  acquainted,  is  a 
like  hindrance  to  a  speedy  raising  of  forces.' 

After  giving  some  further  specific  instructions,  the  report 
concludes  :  *  Other  things  in  general  we  refer  to  your  wisdom 
and  fidelity,  unless  some  special  difficulty  should  occur,  in 
which  case  you  will  please  take  our  minds  as  occasion  shall 
serve.' 

At  the  same  time  it  was  voted,  that  the  selectmen  should  or- 
der the  money  out  of  the  Treasury  to  pay  the  Minute  Men 
who  inarched  on  the  alarm  occasioned  by  the  battle  at  Bunker 

Hill. 

July  6th.  Voted  to  raise  the  Bounty  from  £3,  to  £12  for 
the  soldiers  this  town  are  to  furnish  to  go  to  N.  York. 

1777. 

Jan.  27th.     Voted  to  raise   the  Bounty   for  the  soldiers  who 


*  This  seems  to  have  been  conceived  in  something  of  that  holy  ardor — 
that  sublime  spirit  of  patriotism  and  self-devotion,  which  (in  a  few  months 
after)  dictated  those  ever  memorable  words  in  the  closing  sentence  of  the 
Declaration  of  Independence  ; — *  we  pledge  our  lives,  our  fortunes,  and  our 
sacred  honor.1 — immortal  words,  which  sent  such  a  thrill  to  the  hearts  of  our 
countrymen  and  inspired  tbem  with  such  an  unconquerable  enthusiasm  in 
th«  cause  of  freedom  ! 


75 

went  to  N.  York   in  July  last,  to  $40  for  each  man,    '  to  such 
as  will  take  it.' 

March  18th.  The  Committee  of  Correspondence^  Inspec- 
tion and  Safety,  this  year,  were  Ed.  Richards,  Cyrel  Carpen- 
ter, Samuel  Tiffany,  Jr.  Elisha  May,  and  Nathan  Tyler. 

April  2d.  A  meeting  was  held  to  see  if  the  town  will  give 
some  encouragement  to  the  soldiery  to  enlist  our  proportion  of 
the  15  Battallions  granted  by  this  State  to  join  the  Continental 
Army. 

A  committee  was  chosen  to  report  upon  the  subject,  and  al- 
so to  state  what  is  an  average  on  the  whole  since  the  war  com- 
menced, who  reported,  that  the  bounty  and  wages  given  by 
Congress  and  our  Court,  afforded  a  sufficient  encouragement 
for  the  first  years'  service  ;  that  for  the  second  year  the  town 
allow  £2  per  month  in  addition  to  the  wages,  and  the  same  for 
the  last  year.  £24  in  addition  to  the  bounty  instead  of  the  ad- 
dition to  their  wages  was  offered  to  those  who  might  prefer  it. 

The  committee  also  reported,  that  the  8  months  men,  or 
those  who  went  into  service  in  consequence  of  Lexington  bat- 
tle, have  no  allowance  ;  that  the  6  weeks  and  2  months  men 
have  no  allowance;  that  the  year's  men  be  allowed  ^£10  per 
man  ;  that  the  Dorchester  men  have  no  allowance  ;  that  the 
men  raised  for  2  months  in  Sept.  1776,  be  allowed  £7  per  man  ; 
that  the  men  raised  for  the  Northern  or  Canada  expedition  be 
allowed  c£!0  per  man;  that  the  Quarter  men,  or  those  raised 
for  Howland's  Ferry,  be  allowed  £6  per  man. 

May  22d.  Chose  Capt.  John  Stearns  and  Mr.  William 
Stanley  Representatives.  Appointed  a  committee  to  prepare 
instructions  to  said  Representatives,  viz.  Rev.  Peter  Thacher, 
Capt.  Elisha  May,  Col.  John  Daggett,  Capt.  Moses  WUmarth, 
Mr.  Levi  Maxcy.     Their  report,  it  appears,  is  not  recorded. 

Excused  Capt.  May  from  serving  on  Committee  of  Corres- 
pondence, 4*c. — and  elected  Stephen  Fuller  in  his  room.  Vo- 
ted to  enlarge  said  committee,  and  added  Zephaniah  Bishop, 
Jacob  Cushman,  and  John  Sweetland. 

1778. 

Jan.  12th.  A  committee,  consisting  of  Rev.  Mr.  Thacher, 
Capt.  Elisha  May,   Col.   Stephen  Richardson,  Dea.  Stanley, 


76 

Capt.  Caleb  Richardson,  Lieut.  Elkanah  Wilmarth,  and  Mr. 
John  Wilkinson,  was  chosen  to  prepare  instructions  to  the  rep- 
resentatives of  the  town,  relative  to  the  Articles  of  Confedera- 
tion. They  presented  a  report  which  was  accepted.  It  shows 
how  perfectly  convinced  at  that  time  our  forefathers  were  of 
the  value  and  importance  of  a  firm  union  of  the  States  to  the 
well-being  of  the  whole  people. 

To  show  the  sentiments  of  the  people  a  few  extracts  are 
given. 

'The  subscribers,  being  chosen  a  committee  '  to  consider 
what  instructions  it  may  be  proper  for  them  to  give  their  rep- 
resentatives relative  to  the  Articles  of  Confederation  and  Per- 
petual Union  which  are  proposed  to  the  consideration  of  the 
Legislatures  of  all  the  united  States  as  the  basis  thereof  forev- 
er,' and  also  'relative  to  the  resolves  of  the  most  Honorable 
Congress,  of  the  7th  and  22d  of  November  last, '  having  ma- 
turely considered  the  said  Articles  and  resolves,  do  humbly  of- 
fer the  following  to  the  consideration  of  the  town  on  this  very 
important  subject : 

To  Messrs.  John  Stearns,  and  William  Stanley,  Represen- 
tatives of  the  town  of  Attleborough,  Gentlemen,  We  shall  re- 
joice at  the  arrival  of  the  happy  hour  when  the  Independent 
States  of  North  America  have  a  Union  established  upon  equit- 
able terms  to  continue  as  long  as  the  sun  and  moon  endure. 
We  are  sensible  of  the  utility  and  necessity  of  such  a  union  to 
our  present  exertions  and  the  success  of  them,  as  well  as  for 
the  strength  and  flourishing  condition  of  these  States  hereafter. 
We  would,  therefore,  be  as  distant  as  possible  from  offering 
any  thing  to  obstruct  the  speedy  accomplishment  of  a  thing  so 
desirable;  yet  we  are  constrained  to  desire  explanation  of  the 
4th  paragraph  in  the  5th  Article  which  determines,  that,  in 
deciding  questions  in  the  United  States  in  Congress  assembled, 
each  State  shall  have  one  vote,  which,  if  itoxclude  a  voice  in 
Congress  proportioned  to  the  number  or  estate  of  the  different 
States,  we  apprehend,  would  be  very  unequal  and  not  to  be  by 
any  means  consented  unto,  4*c.  &c.  After  stating  specific 
objections  to  some  other  articles,  the  report  concludes  :  '  With 
the  foregoing  emendations  and  explanations,  we  desire  you  to 


?7 

use  jour  endeavors  that  the  Delegates  in  Congress  be  impow- 
ered  to  ratify  the  aforesaid  Articles  of  confederation  and  Per- 
petual union.  As  to  the  Resolves  of  the  most  Hon'ble  Con- 
gress, we  only  observe  upon  the  5th  and  6th  Resolves,  that 
the  Regulating  Bill  formerly  enacted  and  since  repealed,  though 
framed  with  an  honest  and  good  design,  yet  was,  as  we  appre- 
hend, very  injurious  to  the  good  and  honest  people  of  this 
State,  and  was  of  no  use  to  restrain  oppressors  and  monopoli- 
zers, but  rather  put  an  advantage  of  oppression  into  their  hands, 
and  was  a  great  means  of  sinking  the  value  of  our  money,  and, 
therefore,  we  expect  and  desire  you  to  oppose  the  carrying  of 
the  said  resolutions  into  execution.' 

At  the  same  meeting  a  committee  was  appointed  to  draft  a 
Petition,  which  was  sent  to  the  General  Court,  earnestly  pray- 
ing for  the  repeal  of  an  Act  calling  in  the  Bills  of  Credit  or 
State  Money.  In  this  petition  the  people  expressed  their  fears 
of  the  consequences  which  would  result  from  that  Act  to  the 
interests  of  the  poor,  &c.  'We  have  waited  a  longtime,'  say 
they,  •  in  hopes  that  you  would  repeal  that  Act  without  our 
troubling  you  with  petitions  ;  but  as  we  have  hitherto  been  dis- 
appointed, we  are  obliged,  injustice  to  ourselves  and  to  our 
posterity,  earnestly  to  pray  for  the  speedy  repeal  of  that  Act.' 
They  express  their  opinion  that  the  money  ought  to  be  called 
in  by  degrees,  as  it  was  issued,  that  is,  one  emission  at  a  time, 
by  taxing  the  inhabitants  of  the  State  until  the  whole  is  with- 
drawn. 

March  17th.  The  Committee  of  Correspondence,  &c. 
were  Elkanah  Wilmarth,  Ebenezer  Tiffany,  and  Ephraim  Al- 
len Jr. 

May  12th.  Voted  to  pay  £30  to  each  soldier  who  shall  en- 
list in  the  Continental  Army  to  complete  the  number  (13)  re- 
quired of  this  town  by  a  late  Resolve  of  the  General  Court. 
Also  voted  to  give  £30  more  as  a  bounty. 

May  21st.  The  Committee,  chosen  at  a  former  meeting  to 
consider  the  Constitution*  lately  submitted  to  the  people,  not 

*  This  was  the  first  frame  of  Government  submitted  to  the  people  of  this 
State.  It  was  framed  by  a  Convention  1778-9,  and  is  commonly  called  the 
Rejected  Constitution. 

11 


78 

agreeing  upon  a  report,  the  town  appointed  another  commit- 
tee of  seven,  viz.  Rev.  P.  Thatcher,  Rev.  Habijah  Weld,  Elder 
Job  Seamans,  Doct.  Bezaliel  Mann,  Col.  John  Daggett,  Col. 
Stephen  Richardson,  Capt.  John  Stearns,  who,  finally,  made  a 
report.     The  vote  in  town  stood  51   Affirmative,  76  Negative. 

1779. 

March  16.  The  Committee  of  Safety  were  Capt.  Caleb 
Richardson,  John  Damon,  Elijah  Wellman. 

May  18.  Elisha  May,  Esq.  was  chosen  representative. — 
Voted  to  empower  our  representative  to  vote  for  the  calling 
of  a  Convention  for  the  sole  purpose  of  framing  a  new  Consti- 
tution. 

June  2 1  st.  Voted  to  raise  13  soldiers  (to  serve  9  months)  as 
this  town's  proportion  of  the  15  Battallions  furnished  by  this 
State  to  fill  up  the  Continental  Army.  On  the  question  of 
having  a  new  Constitution  there  were  121  votes  in  favor  ;  and 
none  in  the  negative  recorded. 

Aug.  2d.  This  town  sent  three  members  to  the  Convention 
which  formed  the  present  Constitution  of  Massachusetts. 

1  Chose  Col.  John  Daggett,  Capt.  John  Stearns  and  Major 
Elisha  May  to  attend  the  Convention*  at  Cambridge  on  the 
first  of  September  next  for  the  sole  purpose  of  framing  a  new 
Constitution. 

The  town  then  took  into  consideration  the  proceedings  of 
the  Convention  held  at  Concord  for  regulating  articles  of  mer- 
chandize and  country  produce,  and  voted  unanimously  to  ac- 
cept of  the  doings  of  said  Convention  and  to  conform  ourselves 
to  the  proposed  regulations. 

Chose  Col.  Stephen  Richardson,  Mr.  Levi  Maxcy,  and  Mr. 
Edward  Richards  members  of  the  Convention  to  be  held  at 
Concord  on  the  first  Wednesday  of  October  next. 


*  This  Convention  met  at  the  Meeting  House  in  Cambridge  Sept.  1779, 
continued  till  the  7th  and  then  adjourned  to  Oct.  28th  ;  then  met  and  con- 
tinued till  Nov.  11th  and  adjourned  to  Jan'y  5th  1780  at  the  Representa- 
tive's Chamber,  Boston;  then  met  and  continued  till  March  2d  and  ad- 
journed to  June  7th;  then  met  and  continued  till  June  16th  when  it  was 
dissolved. 


79 


1780. 

March  21st.  The  Committee  of  Safety  were  David  Rich- 
ardson, Capt.  Moses  Wilmarth,  and  William  Morse. 

May  2d.  The  new  Constitution  was  referred  to  a  commit- 
tee. 

June  14th.  Voted  to  raise  29  soldiers,  for  6  months,  as  this 
town's  quota,  to  re-inforce  the  Continental  Army,  according 
to  a  Resolve  of  the  General  Court  of  June  5th  1780.  They 
were  to  be  paid  by  a  tax  on  the  town. 

Sept.  4th.  Voted  to  raise  .£12,000  to  defray  the  expenses 
of  the  town  the  current  year.  Also  voted  to  raise  ^1400  hard 
money  to  pay  the  soldiers  who  may  engage  to  serve  in  the 
Continental  Army  for  three  and  for  six  months,  according  to 
Resolves  of  the  General  Court  of  June  5th,  22d  and  23d. — 
Elisha  May  Esq.  was  chosen  representative  the  two  following 
years — which  brings  us  to  the  close  of  the  Revolution.  There 
were  no  transactions  of  particular  interest  relating  to  the  war 
during  these  two  years. 

Military    Services. 

To  furnish  a  full  statement  of  the  military  services  which 
the  citizens  of  this  town  rendered  during  the  Revolutionary 
war,— to  ascertain  the  number  of  soldiers  who  enlisted  and  the 
time  for  which  they  served — is  not  perhaps  possible  at  this 
day.  But  some  general  accounts  may  be  collected  which  will 
afford  ci  tolerable  view  of  their  services. 

It  appears  from  the  following  anecdotes,  that  they  were  not 
slow  in  acting  up  to  the  resolutions  which  they  had  adopted. 

In  December  1774,  the  Committee  of  Safety  gave  notice 
that  one  Aldrich — a  tory— who  lived  in  Franklin,  Mass.  was 
selling  British  goods  contrary  to  the  resolutions  of  the  General 
Court.  Col.  John  Daggett  of  this  town,  a  determined  and  reso- 
lute patriot,  immediately  issued  orders  to  the  several  companies 
of  this  town  to  furnish  a  certain  number  of  men,  who  being 
collected,  marched,  in  a  bitter  cold  night,  for  the  place  of  Aid- 
rich's  residence,  to  put  a  stop  to  his  business.  They  were 
joined  on  the  way  by  volunteers  from  the  neighboring  towns. 
They  arrived  lal#  at  night,  and  surrounding  his  house,  ordered 


80 

him  out.  He  (and  his  associates  who  had  assembled  to  de- 
fend him)  at  first  attempted  to  resist  with  arms,  threatening  to 
fire  upon  them  from  the  windows ;  and,  assuming  a  tone  of 
confidence,  ordered  them  to  depart.  Upon  this  the  besiegers 
were  directed  to  point  their  guns  towards  the  house.  But  find- 
ing that  his  opponents  were  in  earnest,  and  that  threats  could 
not  intimidate  them,  Aldrich  at  last  came  out.  He  was  order- 
ed to  pull  off  Ids  hat,  while  in  the  presence  of  the  people's  sol- 
diers !  Here,  before  the  whole  company,  he  was  compelled 
to  enter  into  an  engagement  not  to  *  vend  any  more  British 
goods  during  the  present  unhappy  controversy  between  the 
King  and  his  colonies.'  The  prisoner  was  then  released.  The 
next  morning  he  fled  to  Boston,  and  was  never  after  known  in 
these  parts. 

The  captains  from  this  town,  who  were  engaged  in  this  ad- 
venture, were  Capt.  S.  Richardson,  of  the  North  East  Compa- 
ny, Capt.  Moses  Wilmarth,  S.  E.  Company,  Capt.  Jacob  Ide, 
S.  W.  Company,  Capt.  Jon.  Stanley,  N.  W.  Company. 

Assonett  Expedition. 

Information  having  been  received  from  the  vigilant  Com- 
mittees of  Safety,  that  the  British  had  made  a  deposit  of  arms 
and  ammunition  at  Assonett  village,  (Freetown)  for  the  use  of 
the  loyalists,  Col.  Daggett  of  this  town  on  the  9th  of  April, 
1775,  undertook  an  expedition  for  the  purpose  of  seizing  these 
arms  and  breaking  up  the  combination  which  had  been  formed 
to  favor  the  royal  cause.  He  was  accompanied  by  the  sever- 
al companies  from  this  town  with  their  captains  (as  before 
named,  except  Elisha  May  in  the  room  of  Jon.  Stanley)  and 
by  some  of  the  militia  from  Rehoboth  and  other  towns.  How 
many  others  were  concerned  in  the  adventure  is  not  known. 

They  discovered  40  stands  of  arms  and  equipments  in 
the  possession  of  the  tories,  together  with  a  large  quan- 
tity of  ammunition — the  whole  of  which  was  taken  by  the 
patriots.  All,  who  were  suspected  of  favoring  the  British  in- 
terest, were  required  to  swear  not  to  bear  arms  against  their 
country.  Nine  staunch  tories,  who  refused  to  take  the  oath 
of  fidelity  to  the  Colonies,  were  made  prisoners,  and  put  under 


81 

the  charge  of  the  company  from  East  Attleborough— and 
forthwith  marched  to  Taunton.  Here  their  captors  threaten- 
ed to  convey  them  to  Sullivan's  mines  in  Connecticut,  if  they 
would  not  comply.  To  avoid  this  alternative,  they  at  last  sub- 
mitted, and  took  the  oath  of  allegiance  to  their  country.  They 
were  then  dismissed. 

This  expedition  deserves  commemoration  from  the  circum- 
stance of  its  having  been  accomplished  previous  to  the  com- 
mencement of  open  hostilities  in  any  other  part  of  the  country. 
It  preceded,  a  few  days,  the  first  scene  in  the  great  drama 
which  opened  on  the  plains  of  Lexington.  It  was  appearing 
in  arms  (though  on  a  comparatively  small  scale)  against  the 
royal  government.  The  patriots  expected  resistance,  and 
were  prepared  with  sufficient  force  to  meet  it. 

The  company  of  Minute  Men— 60  in  number— under  the 
command  of  Capt.  Jabez  Ellis,  Enoch  Robinson,  Lieutenant, 
on  the  day  of  the  battle  at  Lexington  received  orders  to  march 
instantly  to  Roxbury.  We  sat  out  at  night* — stopped  a  short 
time  at  Maxcy's,  now  Hatch's  tavern — then  went  directly  to 
Dedham — where  we  found  two  tables  by  the  road  side  gener- 
ously provided  with  food  for  the  soldiers  who  might  pass  that 
way, — thus  arranged  to  prevent  any  unnecessary  delay — we 
snatched  a  hasty  breakfast  and  marched  on — reached  Roxbu- 
ry about  day-light— and  were  then  marched  round  and  round 
Roxbury  Meeting  House,  to  make  as  much  show  of  numbers 
as  possible  in  view  of  the  British.  Our  company  remained 
there  seven  or  eight  days,  and  then  were  permitted  to  return 
home.t 


*  The  circumstances  are  given  as  related  to  the  author  by  one  of  the  sur- 
vivors. 

|  Of  one  of  these  soldiers  an  anecdote  is  current  among  the  survivors  of 
that  day.  One  Henry  Richardson  of  this  town,  a  bold  and  honest  but  heed- 
less fellow,  on  his  way  to  Roxbury  swore  he  would  have  one  of  the  Red 
coats  before  he  went  back.  On  his  arrival  at  head-quarters, — the  moment 
he  had  opportunity — he  charged  his  long  musket,  and  not  thinking  with 
Fallstaff,  that 4  discretion  is  the  better  part  of  valor,'  coolly  marched  down  in 
front  of  our  lower  guard,  and  taking  deliberate  aim  at  the  opposite  British 
sentinel,  discharged  his  musket,  and  badly  wounded  him,  as  his  companions 
were  seen  to  lead  him  off  the  ground,  and  his  place  was  supplied  by  another. 


83     - 

The  same  company  went  down  to  Roxbury  the  day  of  Bun- 
ker Hill  battle—stayed  about  a  fortnight.  While  there  a  small 
party  of  us  went  round  to  the  Cambridge  side  to  look  at  the 
British,  but  soon  the  captain  of  a  Fort  called  out  to  us,  that 
we  had  better  not  go  in  company,  for  the  enemy  would  see  us 
and  fire  at  us ;  and  sure  enough,  in  a  minute  or  two,  a  cannon 
ball  came  whizzing  along  close  by  us — and  soon  after,  they 
sent  us  a  bomb. 

May  1st  1775.  A  company  of  64  men  enlisted  for  8  months, 
under  Capt.  Caleb  Richardson,  in  the  Massachusetts  Line  (so 
called)  and  were  stationed  at  Roxbury. 

July  1776.  Another  company,  principally  from  this  town, 
enlisted  5  months  in  the  recruits  called  the  New  Levies,  under 
Capt.  Caleb  Richardson,  and  Stephen  Richardson,  Lieutenant, 
both  of  Attleborough,  in  the  regiment  of  Col.  Cary  of  Middle- 
borough — Brigadier  Gen.  Fellowes,  and  did  duty  in  and 
about  New  York,  and  were  at  the  disastrous  retreat  from  Long 
Island,  &c*  Some  of  the  other  members  of  this  company 
were  from  the  neighboring  towns. 

Sept.  1776.  Another  company  was  raised  (part  from  Attle- 
borough and  part  from  Norton)  under  Capt.  Elisha  May  of  this 
town,  in  the  regiment  of  Col.  Thomas  Carpenter  of  Rehoboth, 
and  arrived  at  White  plains  before  the  battle. 

In  Oct.  1777,  A  whole  company  from  this  town  marched  to 
Rhode  Island,  under  Capt.  Stephen  Richardson,  and  served 
one  month  in  Spencer's  '  Secret  Expedition,'  so  called. 


Much  to  his  astonishment,  our  hero  was  immediately  arrested  (for  doing,  as 
he  thought,  so  good  a  service)  and  put  under  guard  ;  but,  on  the  represen- 
tations of  his  friends,  was  soon  after  discharged  without  further  punish- 
ment, in  consideration  of  his  good  intentions! 

On  meeting,  afterwards,  one  of  his  townsmen,  he  exclaimed,  with  exulta- 
tion,— '  There,  I  told  you  I'd  have  one  of  them  are  British  rascals.' 


«  Capt.  Moses  Wilmarth,  though  he  had  served  as  a  captain  at  home, 
yet  from  a  spirit  of  patriotism  entered  the  service  as  a  private  soldier,  in  the 
expedition  to  N.  York.  He  was  afterwards  promoted,  and  continued,  much 
attached  to  the  service,  duiing  the  war. 

Joel  Road  of  this  town  (who  is  now  living)  was  wounded  at  N.  Yoik. 


83 

Several  men  from  this  town  were  drafted  in  the  expedition 
against  Ticonderoga  in  1776.     Served  also  at  Saratoga. 

Some  of  our  soldiers  enlisted  for  3  years,  and  others  during 
the  war. 

The  above  accounts  do  not  include  the  many  individual  en- 
listments into  the  Continental  army  from  this  town,  during  the 
war. 

Militia — Rhode   Island. 

The  Militia  in  this  town  and  the  vicinity  were  subject  to  fre- 
quent drafts  of  men  (more  or  less)  from  December  1776  until 
after  the  evacuation  of  Rhode  Island.  Drafts  were  made  in 
January,  February,  March,  May,  June,  July,  and  August  1777, 
and  at  many  other  times.  The  men  were  stationed,  the  most 
of  the  time,  at  Howland's  Ferry  (Tiverton)  and  at  Warwick. 

The  British  took  possession  of  Rhode  Island  in  December 
1776,  and  kept  the  surrounding  country  in  a  continual  state 
of  alarm.     They  occupied  it  above  two  years. 

General  Sullivan,  during  his  expedition  to  Rhode  Island, 
requested  the  Government  of  Massachusetts  to  send  him  a  re- 
inforcement, in  consequence  of  the  French  forces  having  aban- 
doned him.  In  compliance  with  this  request,  the  following 
orders  were  issued  by  the  Council  of  this  State,  directing  Col. 
Daggett  of  the  4th  Regiment  (including,  as  now,  Attleborough, 
Mansfield,  Norton,  and  Easton)  to  take  charge  of  the  detach- 
ment. 

'State  of  Massachusettts  Bay, 

Council  Chamber,  Aug.  ISth  1778. 

Whereas  Major  General  Sullivan  has  represented  to  this 
Board  that  by  reason  of  the  absence  of  the  French  Troops, 
which  he  expected  would  co-operate  with  him,  he  is  in  press- 
ing need  of  a  re-inforcement,  therefore, 

Ordered  that  the  following  Colonels  be  and  hereby  are  di- 
rected to  detach  from  their  respective  Regiments  the  several 
numbers  of  men  hereafter  mentioned,  and  form  them  into 
companies  of  sixty  eight  men  each  including  one  captain,  two 
subalterns,  four  sergeants,  four  corporals,  one  drummer  and 
one  fifer,  and  see  that  they  be  equipped,  armed,  and  accoutred, 


84 

as  the  law  directs,  and  order  them  to  march  immediately  to 
the  Island  of  Rhode  Island,  and  there  to  do  duty  during  the 
campaign  on  said  Island : — viz.  From  Col.  Hawes'  regiment, 
one  hundred  and  fifty  men  including  officers  and  one  Major; 
from  Col.  Carpenter's  regiment  one  hundred  and  fifty  men  in- 
cluding officers;  from  Col.  Daggett's  regiment  one  hundred 
and  fifty  men  including  officers  and  one  Colonel ;  from  Col. 
Hathaway's  regiment  one  hundred  and  fifty  men  including  offi- 
cers and  one  Lieut.  Colonel  ;  from  Col.  Sproat's  regiment 
one  hundred  and  fifty  men  including  officers  ;  from  Col.  Wil- 
liams' regiment  one  hundred  and  fifty  men  including  officers  : 
And  make  return  to  the  Council  without  loss  of  time. 
A  true  Copy. 

Attest,        JOHN  AVERY  Dy.  Sec'y. 

In  obedience  to  these  orders  a  regiment  (consisting  of  900 
men)  was  formed  out  of  the  several  regiments  above  named, 
which  repaired  to  R.  Island,  and  served  under  the  command 
of  Col.  Daggett  of  this  town,  during  the  remainder  of  the  cam- 
paign. The  company  furnished  by  this  town,  as  its  quota  un- 
der this  levy,  was  commanded  by  Capt.  Caleb  Richardson.  It 
was  on  the  island  at  the  time  of  the  battle,  and  was  partially 
engaged  in  it.* 

Col.  Daggett  also  commanded  the  regiment  (of  which  this 
town  furnished  a  portion)  from  Bristol  County  in  Spencer's 
Expedition.  This  regiment  was  supplied  by  alternate  drafts 
from  the  companies  in  the  northerly  and  middle  parts  of  the 
county. 

During  the  occupation  of  the  Island  by  the  British,  as  before 
observed,  the  militia  from  all  the  towns  in  the  vicinity  were  fre- 
quently called  upon  to  defend  the  shore,  as  constant  apprehen- 
sions were  entertained  that  the  enemy  would  attempt  to  land. 
Attempts  were  indeed  often  made,  but  as  often  failed.  Orders 
would  sometimes  come  for  all  the  militia  to  appear  at  some 
place  near   the  Island.     All  hands  would  accordingly  muster 

*  Two  men  from  this  town,  who  had  belonged  to  the  Continental  army, 
were  killed  in  that  action,  viz.  Lamed  Hall  and  one  Dyer  formerly  of  Iteho- 
both. 


85 

(whether  by  night  or  day)  and  make  all  haste  for  the  scene  of 
parade.  They  were  sometimes  thus  detained  a  week — 3  weeks 
—and  even  6  weeks  at  a  time.  On  the  appearance  of  a  suffi- 
cient force  the  enemy  would  for  the  time  relinquish  their  de- 
sign, and  the  greater  part  of  the  militia  obtain  leave  to  go 
home.  But  sometimes  before  they  arrived  home,  orders 
would  come  for  their  immediate  return.  The  yeomanry  were 
thus  often  obliged  to  leave  the  plough  in  the  furrow,  the  mown 
hay  untouched,  and  the  harvest  rotting  in  the  field. 

Anecdote  of  Fayette. — While  Sullivan  was  retreating  from 
the  Island,  Fayette,  who  brought  up  the  rear,  just  as  he  was 
leaving  the  field,  espied  a  pick-axe,  belonging  to  the  Ameri- 
can army,  which  had  been  accidentally  left  on  the  ground  ; — 
he  instantly  went  back,  dismounted  and  picked  it  up,  exclaim- 
ing, in  broken  English,  as  he  rode  off  with  it  on  his  shoulder, 
*  They  sha'nt  have  de  pick-axe  /' 

The  cannonade,  (which  was  heavy)  between  the  two  ar- 
mies, was  distinctly  heard  and  felt  in  this  town,  and  produced 
extreme  anxiety  in  every  family. 

The  time  of  Bunker  Hill  battle  was  likewise  a  day  of  sol- 
emn feeling,  and  fearful  expectation.  The  cannonade  was 
distinctly  heard  at  this  distance  (35  miles)  and  the  occasion  of 
it  was  fully  recognized.  It  was  so  heavy  as  to  shake  the  win- 
dows in  the  bouses,  and  the  plate  upon  the  shelves.  The  earth 
trembled  as  in  the  heaviest  thunder.  The  town  was  almost 
deserted  by  all  able  to  bear  arms.  Women  were  in  tears  for 
the  fate  of  fathers,  husbands,  and  brothers  who  had  gone  to 
the  scene  of  action. 

From  the  preceding  account  of  the  civil  transactions  and  the 
military  services  of  this  town,  it  appears  satisfactorily  that  our 
citizens  furnished  their  full  proportion  to  the  ranks  of  the  pat- 
riot army,  and  did  their  duty  faithfully  in  the  day  of  trial. 

In  reviewing  the  proceedings  in  that  contest  which  agitated 
the  country  previous  to  the  commencement  of  the  Revolution, 
one  thing  struck  me  as  worthy  of  remark,  (though  not  partic- 
ularly noticed  by  historians)  that  the  citizens  of  this  State  gen- 
erally— the  people  as  a  body,  felt  a  deeper  interest — took  a 
more  active  part — and  exerted  a  more  direct  influence  in  the 
transactions  of  the  day  than  the  people  of  any  other  State. — 
The  whole  mass  of  our  citizens  seemed  to  be  acting  in  con- 
12 


86 

cert,  animated  with  one  spirit — and  in  pursuit  of  one  object. 
Other  States  were  indeed  as  zealously  engaged  in  the  great 
work,  but  it  was  rather  through  the  Legislature  or  the  Gov- 
ernment, than  by  the  direct  influence  of  the  people.  But  the 
citizens  of  this  State  entrusted  it  not  to  a  few  leaders  or  to  any 
body  of  men  to  vindicate  their  violated  rights  ;  they  were  wil- 
ling to  do  their  part  and  to  bear  the  burden  themselves.  Eve- 
ry town  and  almost  every  individual  felt  it  a  duty  to  put  forth 
an  effort  in  the  cause. 

It  may  be  here  remarked,  that  previous  to  this  period,  viz. 
1745,  Cumberland  was  separated  from  Attleborough,  by  Roy- 
al Charter,  and  annexed  to  Rhode  Island.* 


*  The  new  boundaries  established  by  this  charter  took  from  Massachusetts 
and  annexed  to  Rhode  Island  a  fine  tract  of  land  including  all  Bristol  coun- 
ty, R.  I.  Tiverton,  Newport  county,  and  Cumberland,  Providence  county. 

Cumberland  comprised  nearly  half  of  the  original  town.  Its  area  is  about  28 
square  miles  ;  and,  taken  together  is  an  excellent  tract  of  land.  It  is  good 
for  grain,  and  orcharding,  and  especially  for  grass  which  is  cut  in  great 
abuudance.    Some  parts  of  the  town,  however,  are  light  and  sandy. 

It  was  incorporated  in  1746.  It  was  previously  called  Attleborough 
Gore.  It  is  well  adapted  to  manufacturing  purposes,  having  three  streams, 
Abbott's  Run,  Mill  and  Peter's  Rivers,  besides  the  Blackstone  which  is  its 
western  boundary.  A  few  years  ago  it  had  eight  cotton  manufacturing  es- 
tablishments, running  5524  spindles ;  one  woollen  factory  ;  two  clothier's 
works;  six  grain  mills;  nineteen  shops  for  building  boats,  in  which  are 
made  annually  about  700  boats,  which  are  worth  from  20  to  70  dollars  each. 
It  had  besides,  1  nail  factory,  1  marble  mill,  306  dwelling  houses,  280  elec- 
tors, S  companies  of  militia,  1  rifle  corps,  and  part  of  a  company  of  cavalry. 
Its  population,  in  1810,  was  2,110.  But  the  town  has  since  materially  in- 
creased in  population  and  amount  of  business. 

It  had  four  religious  societies,  two  Baptists',  one  Methodist,  and  one 
Quaker.    Taxable  property  in  1815  was  528,220  dollars. 


■ 


87 


GENEALOGY. 

A  brief  genealogy  of  some  of  the  earliest  settlers  in  the  town 
is  annexed,  which  is  intended  to  include,  so  far  as  I  have  been 
able  to  ascertain,  the  names  of  those  who  came  into  town  pre- 
vious to  1730,  with  the  names  of  their  children  of  the  first  gen- 
eration, (space  not  permitting  me  to  extend  it  any  farther)  and 
also  the  previous  place  of  their  settlement  when  known.  This 
will  not  contain  the  names  of  many  who  have  all  either  re- 
moved from  town  or  whose  families  have  become  extinct. — 
These  sketches  must  necessarily  be  imperfect,  from  the  defects 
in  the  records  and  the  general  neglect  of  most  families  to  pre- 
serve any  knowledge  of  their  remote  ancestry.  The  discovery 
of  many  of  these  facts  connected  with  the  history  of  our  an- 
cestors, has  been  the  result  of  fortunate  accident. 

Many  of  the  first  proprietors  (who  belonged  to  Rehoboth)  or 
their  descendants  became  the  occupants  of  the  lands  which 
they  had  purchased.  But  in  process  of  time  the  cheapness  of 
the  land  invited  many  emigrants  from  various  parts  of  the  col- 
onies of  Massachusetts  and  Plymouth  who  either  became  share 
holders  or  purchased  Rights.* 


Allen,  Nehemiah,  son  of  Isaac  Allen  1st  of  Rehoboth,  marri- 
ed Anne  Wilmarth,  daughter  of  Thomas  Wilmarth  2d,  of  that 
town,  came  to  Attleborough  about  1710.  He  had  5  children, 
viz.  Isaac,  John,  Nehemiah,  Daniel,  Anne,  who  were  born  be- 
tween the  years  1711  and  1726. 

Atwell,  Richard,  married  Sarah  Bolkcom  (daughter  of  Alex- 
ander Bolkcom)  had  5  children  by  her,  Sarah,  Amos,  Anne, 
Richard,  Ichabod,  1728 — 1739.  His  second  wife  was  Mary 
Lawrence,  by  whom  he  had  one  son,  William,  born  1741. 

Barroios,  Benajah,  ancestor  of  all  of  that  name  in  this  town. 
He  came  here  about  1708  from  Rehoboth  where  he  had  resided 
for  a  short  time.  His  wife  was  Lydia  Bucklin  daughter  of  Jo- 
seph Bucklin  one  of  the  early  settlers  of  that  town — had  9 
children,  John  born  in  Rehoboth  1707;  Deborah  b.  1711; 
Joseph,  1713  ;  Nehemiah  1715  ;  Benjamin  March    1717-18 ; 

*  Usually  new  comers,  if  they  could  not  purchase  a  share  in  the  Undivi- 
ded lands,  bought  a  light  to  lay  out  a  definite  number  of  acres  in  a  division 
already  granted. 


88 

Elijah    March    1719-20;   Lydia   1722;  Ichabod    1724.      He 
died  Jan.  5,  1754. 

Blackintoyi,  Penticost,  the  ancestor  of  all  the  Blackingtons 
in  town,  came  to  Attleborough  previous  to  1702 — from  what 
place  is  not  known.  His  wife's  name  was  Mary.  He  had  at 
least  4  children,  Penticost,  Mary,  Benjamin,  who  came  with 
him,  and  Hepzibeth  who  was  born  here  Dec.  1702;  and  John 
and  Penelope  twins  b.  1705  and  both  died  1706.  Penticost 
the  1st  died  Sept.  24,  1715.  His  son  Penticost  married  Re- 
beccah  Figgett— had  8  children,  Penticost,  b.  1716;  Rebec- 
cab  b.  1717  ;  George  b.  1720;  Anne  b.  1722  ;  Mary  b.  1724  ; 
John  b.  1727;  Othniel  b.  1729  ;  Peter  b.  1731. 

Blanding,  Obediah,  came  from  Rehoboth,  son  of  William 
Blanding  1st  of  that  name  in  Rehoboth, — married  Elizabeth 
Weeks,— had  5  children,  Ephraim,  Samuel,  Obediah,  Eliza- 
beth, Mehitabel,  1919—1727.  Several  others  afterwards  came 
here  from  that  town,  descendants  of  William  1st.  viz.  Daniel, 
Noah,  Lamack,  &c. 

Bishop  William,  appears  to  be  the  first,  came  from  Beverly 
or  Salem  about  1703.  His  wife's  name  was  Dorothy.  He 
had  8  children,  Edward,  Elizabeth,  William,  Martha,  Rebec- 
ca, Baily,  Dorothy,  John,  1701 — 1715.  His  second  wife  was 
Tabitha  Hadley,  married  1719. 

There  were  several  others  of  this  name,  some  of  them,  per- 
haps, brothers  of  the  above,  viz.  Daniel,  (who  married  Eliza- 
beth Brown  1734)  Samuel  (married  Mary .)  Joseph  (mar- 
ried Miriam  Hodges)  Thomas  who  married  *  Sarah  Hobel  of 
Pequonick'  and  had  one  daughter  born  in  New  Brookfield 
N.  Y.  1744. 

Bolhcom,  Alexander,  the  1st,  who  came  to  Attleborough,  pre- 
vious to  1692  ;  from  whom  all  in  town  are  descended.  He 
married  Sarah  Woodcock,  daughter  of  John  Woodcock  sen. 
and  had  7  children,  William  b.  Sept.  3,  1692  ;  Katharine  b. 
Feb.  7,  1694;  Alexander  b.  April  4,  1696;  John  b.  April  29, 
1699  ;  Baruck  b.  June  12,  1702;  Sarah  b.  Feb.  8,  1703-4  :  Jo- 
seph b.  Feb.  23,  1705-6. 

He  died  Jan.  31,  1727-8.  His  son  William  married  Mary 
Tyler,  Oct.  3,  1713  ;  Alexander  m'd.  Martha  Obinton,  May 
14,  1725  ;  Baruck  m.  Patience  Blake;  John  m'd.  Mary  Grover, 
by  whom  he  had  5  children,   and  afterward,  Sarah  Grover,  by 


89 

whom  he  had  8  children  ;  Joseph  m'd.  Mary  Parminter,  March 
21,  1733-4. 

Capron,  Banfield,  was  the  first  of  that  name  who  came  to 
this  country.  From  him  all  the  Caprons  in  this  vicinity  are 
descended.  The  name  of  his  first  wife  was  Elizabeth.  His 
children  were  Banfield,  Joseph,  Elizabeth  Banfield,  b.  Oct.  22. 
1684,  Edward,  John,  Jonathan,  b.  March  10,  1705-6,  Sarah 
b.  March  11,  1708-9. 

His  wife  Elizabeth  died  March  10,  1735.  He  married  Dec. 
16, 1735,  Mrs.  Sarah  Daggett  (relict  of  Dea.  John  Daggett)  and 
died  Aug.  25,  1752,  at  a  very  advanced  age.  He  settled  where 
the  late  Joab  Daggett  lived,  and  laid  out  the  lands  there.  Tra- 
dition says,  he  came  to  this  country  alone  when  he  was  quite  a 
lad,  as  a  cabin-boy,  to  seek  his  own  fortune. 

Carpenter,  Josiah,  Noah,  William,  Obediah,  4*c.  came  to  At- 
tleborough  from  Rehoboth,  and  were  all  descendants  of  Sam- 
uel and  William  Carpenter,  two  of  the  earliest  of  that  name  in 
Rehoboth.  William  Carpenter  was  admitted  an  inhabitant  of 
that  town  March  28,  1645.  He  was  admitted  a  freeman  of 
Massachusetts,  May  13,  1640. 

Noah  was  the  son  of  William  of  Rehoboth,  b.  March  28, 1672 
married  Sarah  Johnson,  Dec.  3,  1700 — by  whom  he  had  13 
children,  Noah,  Miriam,  Sarah,  Stephen,  Asa,  Mary  (born  in 
Rehoboth)  Margaret,  Simon  (died  infant)  Isaiah,  Simon, 
Martha,  Elisha,  Amy.  He  married  Ruth  Follet,  May  1727, 
by  whom  he  had  one    daughter,  b.  May  1728. 

Claflin,  (formerly  Mc'Claflin*)  Antipas,  came  here  from 
Sudbury,  Mass.  had  3  children  after  his  arrival  in  this  town, 
viz.  Hepzebeth,  b.  Nov.  17,  1717  ;  Antipas  and  Ebenezer, 
twins,  b.  Feb.  8,  1720-21.  His  wife's  name  was  Sarah.  Oth- 
er sons  probably  came  with  him,  Noah,  Phinehas,  &c. 

Cutting,  the  first  and  only  one  of  this  name,  who  came  here, 
was  Aaron.  His  son  Aaron,  Jr.  married  Ruth  Pratt,  1749, 
(who  died  July  26,  1753)  and  for  his  second  wife,  Sarah  Tuck- 
er, by  both  of  whom  he  had  9  children. 

Daggett,  John,  ancestor  of  all  the  Daggetts  here  and  in  Con- 
came  to  Attleboro'  from  Chilmark,  Marthas'  Vineyard,  about 


*  Sometimes  spelt  Meclothlin,  and  in  one  place,  (R.  N.  P.  Rec.  p.  SS6*) 
Mack  Cleaulan— a  proof  of  the  variation  which  names  undergo  in  the  course 
of  a  few  generations.    Tradition  says  the  family  originated  in  Scotland. 


90 

1709,  with  his  wife  Sarah,  and  9  children,  4  sons  and  5  daugh- 
ters, viz.  Mayhew,  Ebenezer,  Thomas,  Napthali,  Abigail,  (who 
m'd.  Ebenezer  Guild,  Oct.  12,  1714)  Jane,  (m'd.  Caleb  Hall, 
Nov.  9,  1721)  Zilpha,  (m'd.  Nathaniel  Robinson,  July  18, 
1721)  Patience,  (m'd.  Noah  Robinson,  Oct,  4,  1725)  Mary, 
(m'd.  John  Titus,  Jan.  18,  1727-8)  all  of  Attleborough. 
jg  Ebenezer  married  Mary  Blackinton,  (daughter  of  Penticost 
the  1st)  Nov.  9,  1721  ;  Mayhew  married  Joanna  Biven,  (of 
Deerfield,  Mass.)  Oct.  11,  1709;  Thomas  married  Sarah  Stan- 
ley, (daughter  of        Stanley)  March  21,  1722-3.* 

Day,  Samuel,  appears  to  be  the  first — came  from  Rehoboth. 
His  wife  was  Priscilla. — He  had  several  children,  Samuel,  Ed- 
ward, b.  June  9,  1705  ;  John,  b.  Sept.  29, 1708  ;  Priscilla,  b. 
Nov.  22,  1711  ;  Benjamin,  b.  (in  Attleborough)  April  28,  1720; 
and  perhaps  others. 

One  Robert  Day  was  admitted  freeman  of  Massachusetts, 
May  6,  1635;  and  Ralph  Day,  May  1645. 

Foster,  John,  came  from  Dorchester  about  1712, — married 
Margaret  Ware— had  13  children,  John,  b.  1706;  Robert,  b. 
1707  ;  Ebenezer,  b.  1709,  (these  three  b.  in  Dorchester)  Mar- 
garet, b.  (in  Wrentham)  1712  ;  Benjamin,  b.  1714  ;  Jonathan, 
b.  1715 ;  Sarah,  b.  1718  ;  Timothy,  b.  1720 ;  Nathan,  b.  1722; 
Esther,  b.  1724  ;  Michael,  b.  1725  ;  (and  died  1726)  Michael, 
b.  1727  ;  Mary,  b.  1729. 

Foster,  Alexander,  (another  who  came  to  town)  whose  wife's 
name  was  Suanna, — had  6  children,  Elizabeth,  Sarah,  Alex- 
ander, Edward,  Suanna,  Jane — from  1734  to  1746. 

Freeman,  David  and  Jonathan,  inhabitants  of  Rehoboth,  came 
to  Attleborough — probably  the  ancestors  of  all  the  Freemans 
in  this  town.     The  name  of  David's  wife  was  Mary.     Some  of 


*By  recent  research  I  ara  able  to  trace  this  family  still  farther  back  :  and 
give  the  result  for  the  information  of  numerous  descendants  here  &  elsewhere. 

John  the  1  st  of  Attleborough,  was  the  son  of  Thomas  Daggett,  Esq.  of 
Edgartown,  who  married  Hannah,  the  oldest  daughter  of  Gov.  Mayhew, 
and  was  brother  to  Thomas,  Samuel,  Joshua,  Israil,  Mercy. 

Thomas  the  father  (who  was  brother  of  John  the  first  of  Rehoboth)  is 
supposed  to  be  the  son  of  John  Daggett,  the  first,  who  came  to  this  country 
in  1630,  and  was  settled  in  Watertown  1642,  and  probably  removed  to 
Marthas'  Vineyard  with  Gov.  Mayhew,  when  he  settled  the  Island,  in 
1644.  There  is  reason  to  believe  that  John  the  first  of  Watertown  had  a 
brother  Thomas  who  came  to  New  England. 


91 

his  children  were  Ebenezer,   b.  April  13,  1684  ;  Hannah,  b. 
April  24,  1686  ;  Margaret,  b.  Feb.  9,  1688-9. 

Jonathan's  children  were  William,  Mary,  Jonathan,  Mercy, 
Samuel,  Anne,  David,  1690—1704. 

French,  John,  son  of  John  French  1st  of  Rehoboth,— came 
from  that  town  about  1710— married  Martha  Williams — had 
five  children,  John  (b.  in  Rehoboth)  Ephraim  and  Martha 
twins  (died  infants)  Hannah,  Samuel,  1709 — 1714.  His  2d 
wife  was  Abigail  White,  married  May  23,  1728,  by  whom  he 
had  2  children,  John  b.  1729,  Thomas  b.  1730. 

Thomas  brother  of  the  preceeding,  also  came  from  Reho- 
both— married  Mary  Brown,  Jan.  5,  1720-1, — had  6  children, 
Thomas,  Christopher,  Mary,  Joseph,  Elizabeth,  Bridget,  Sa- 
rah, Hannah,  1722—1738. 

Fuller.  This  name  is  numerous.  The  first  are  not  all 
known.  One  was  John — whose  children  were  Ithaman,  Abi- 
gail, John,  Jeduthan,  Abial,  Joanna,  1702 — 1719.  His  2d 
wife  was  Mary  Follet— had  1  daughter  Sarah  b.  1721. 

Jonathan  Fuller  was  an  early  settler  of  Rehoboth.  Robert 
and  William  Fuller  admitted  freemen  Mass.  2d  June  1641. 

Guild,  Ebenezer,  came  from  Dedham — married  Abigail  Dag- 
gett (daughter  of  Dea.  John  Daggett  1st)  12th  Oct.  1714  ;  had 

several  children,  Joseph,  Naphtali,  Ebenezer,   1716 — 1722 

John  and  Benjamin  also  came  with  him. 

Hall.  Edward  and  John  came  from  England — soon  to 
Taunton — thence  to  Rehoboth.  Ephraim,  son  of  John,  came 
to  Attleborough.  John  was  admitted  fr.  Mass.  14th  May  1634  ; 
Edward,  2d  May,  1638.  John  married  Mary  Newell  of  Rox- 
bury,  18th  Nov.  1684.     Edward  died  27th  Nov.  1670. 

Christopher  Hall  also  came  to  Attleborough — had  two  sons, 
Caleb  and  Joshua. 

Ide,  Nicholas,  Lieut,  (son  of  Nicholas  1st  of  Rehoboth,  who 
was  there  as  as  early  as  Apr.  9,  1645)  was  born  Nov.  1654; 
married  Mary  Ormsby,  Dec.  27,  1628  ;  hed  7  children,  Na- 
thaniel, Jacob,  Martha,  Patience,  John,  Benjamin,  1678 — 
1693— all  born  in  Rehoboth.  Nicholas  (by  his  2d  wife  Eliza) 
b.  in  Attleborough  July  25,  1697.  Nicholas  sen.  died  5th 
June  1723.     Nath  died  14th  March  1702-3. 

Jacob  (2d  son)  married  Sarah  Perry.  His  children  were 
Sarah,  b.  Dec.  13,  1712 ;  Jacob,  Sept.  26,  1723. 


92 

John  (3d  son)  married  Mehetable  Robinson  May  14,  1719 
— had  4  children,  Sarah,  John,  Benjamin,  Amos,  1720—1729. 

Ingrahamt  Joseph,Benjamin,  Jeremiah,  Elijah, descendants  of 
Benjamin,  and  of  Jarrett  whose  name  is  on  the  list  of  Purchas- 
ers, came  from  Rehoboth.     Joseph  married  Mary  Shepardson. 

Elijah  married  Sarah  Ide— had  8  children,  Elijah,  Jabez, 
Sarah  and  William  twins,  Betty,  Remember,  Comfort,  Jere- 
miah, 1734-1746. 

Maxcy,  Alexander ,*  came  from  Gloucester,  Mass.  with  his 
family,  about  1721, — settled  on  John  Woodcock's  farm  and 
continued  the  public  house.  His  wife's  name  was  Abigail.— 
He  died  Sept.  20,  1723.  His  children  were  Alexander  (who 
died  April  2,  1724)  Joseph,  Josiah,  Abigail,  (who  married  Ja- 
cob Hascall  of  Gloucester)  Mary  (who  married  Wm.  Ware 
May  4,  1726)  Esther  (who  married  Nehemiah  Ward  Dec.  3d 
1728)  and  Benjamin. 

Josiah  married  Mary  Everett  daughter  of  Joshua  Everett, 
had  11  children.  His  2d  son  Levi  (whose  wife  was  Ruth  daugh- 
ter of  Jacob  Newell)  was  the  father  of  Jonathan,  Milton,  and 
Virgil,  graduates  of  Brown  University — eminent  in  literary  and 
professional  life.  Levi,  another  son,  who  possessed  superior 
talents  though  not  liberally  educated — died  at  the  South. 

Martin,  John,  Robert,  and  Timothy,  came  from  Rehoboth. — 
Timothy  married  Mary,  daughter  of  John  Fuller,  then  of  Re- 
hoboth, afterwards  of  Attleborough, — had  three  children,  Tim- 
othy, Sarah,  Abel. 

Three  of  this  name  were  admitted  freemen  Massachusetts, 
Thomas,  Martin,  22d  May,  1639 ;  John  and  Robert  13th  May, 
1640.     John  settled  in  Rehoboth. 

Moore,  Alexander,  married  Alice  Chaffee— had  8  children, 
Samuel,  Comfort,  Jane,  Betsey,  Esther,  Alice,  Kate,  Hannah. 

Newell,  Jacob,  came  here  from  Roxbury  or  Dorchester,  about 
1715,  bringing  with  him  his  family  of  several  sons,  Jacob,  Jo- 
seph, Ephraim,  &c.  Jason  b.  here,  Dec.  12,  1717.  His  wife's 
name  was  Joyce.  He  settled  near  the  first  M. -House,  and 
bought  a  part  of  Willett's  farm,  and,  according  to  tradition, 
distributed  it  among  his  7  sons,  which  still  remains  in  7  divis- 
ions. 


*  It  is  said  that  a  brother  came  with  him  to  this  country,  and  settled  in 
one  of  the  Southern  States, 


95 

Peck,  Hezekiah,  (son  of  Nicholas  Peck,  of  Rehoboth)  came 
to  Attleborough  about  1700,  with  his  family — married  Debo- 
rah Cooper,  of  the  former  place— had  7  children,  Deborah,  Ju- 
dith, Hannah,  Hezekiah,  Rachel,  b.  in  Rehoboth  ;  Petronella, 
Perthenah,  1687—1711. 

Several  other  Pecks  came  here  from  Rehoboth,  viz.  John  and 
Elisha,  brothers  of  Hezekiah ;  Daniel  and  Ichabod,  sons  of 
Jathniel  who  was  the  son  of  Joseph  1st.* 

Read,  Daniel,  came  to  Rehoboth  about  1716,  with  five  chil- 
dren, Beriah,  Ichabod,  Hannah,  Abigail,  Esther,  Daniel  (died 
infant)  1707—1713.  His  first  wife  was  Elizabeth  Bosworth; 
his  second  was  Eliz.  lde  by  whom  he  had  eight  children,  Dan- 
iel, Noah,  Eliz.  Sam.  Abigail,  Rachel,  Benj.  Thankful,  1716^ 
— 1734.t 

At  least  two  other  Reads  came  here  from  Rehoboth,  Moses, 
and  Ezra.  Those  of  this  name  have  been  very  numerous  in 
this  town. 


*  He  came  to  Rehoboth  from  Hingham,  Mass.  and  probably  to  that  place 
from  Hingham,  England. 

Mr.  Joseph  Peck  and  Mr.  Robert  Peck  were  admitted  freemen,  Mass. 
ISth  March  1638—9.  Robert  was  ordained  teacher  at  Hingham  8th  Nov. 
1638  ;  and  27th  Oct.  1641,  returned  to  England  with  bis  family.  Joseph's 
name  appears  on  the  Rehoboth  records  April  9,  1645.  On  his  way  from 
Hingham  the  following  accident  befel  him. 

1645,  I.  25.  'Another  strange  accident  happened  by  fire  about  this  time. 
One  Mr.  Peck  and  three  others  of  Hingham,  being  about  with  other*  to  re- 
move to  Seaconk  (which  was  concluded  by  the  Commissioners  of  the  United 
Colonies  to  belong  to  Plymouth,)  riding  thither,  they  sheltered  themselves 
and  their  horses  in  an  Indian  wigwam,  which  by  some  occasion  took  fire 
and  (although  they  were  ail  four  in  it,  and  labored  to  their  utmost,  ;&c.) 
burnt  three  of  their  horses  to  death,  and  all  their  goods  to  the  value  of  50 
pounds.' 

One  John  Peck  was  in  Rehoboth  as  early  as  29th  March,  1645.  (Win. 
Jour.  II.  216.) 

Nicholas,  John,  Joseph,  Jr.  are  supposed  to  be  sons  of  Mr.  Joseph,  who 
came  with  him  to  Rehoboth  ;  if  this  supposition  be  true,  then  all  of  the 
name  are  descended  from  him. 

t  Thomas  Read,  admitted  freeman,  Mass.  April  1,  1634;  John,  13th  May 
1640;  William,  14th  Dec.  16S8;  Esdras,  2d  June,  1641.  John  and  Thom- 
as (perhaps  sons  of  John)  settled  in  Rehoboih,  and  uere  tbe  nocestors  of 
the  numerous  progeny  of  Read*  in  (hat  town  and  Attleborough. 

13 


94 

Richards,  Edward  and  Nathan  came  from  Dedham.  From 
them  are  descended  those  of  that  name  in  this  town.  The 
first  in  Dedham  was  Edward  who  was  admitted  freeman  1641, 
(Worthington's  His.  Ded.) 

Richardson,  Stephen,  John,  William,  Seth,  brothers,  came  to 
Altleborough.  Seth  married  Mary  Brown.  His  children  were 
Stephen,  Seth,  (died)  Mary,  Abigail,  Sarah,  Seth,  Phebe,  1714 
—1725. 

Several  others  also  came  to  this  town,  Timothy,  Francis  &c. 
Ezekiel  Richardson,  freeman,  Mass.  18th  May,  1631 ;  Samuel, 
2d  May,  1638. 

Robinson. — Six  of  this  name  came  to  Attleborough  from  Re- 
hoboth,  viz.  Nathl.  Noah,  John,  Timothy,  Samuel,  Ebenezer.* 
Nathaniel,  married  Zilpha,  (3d  daughter  of  Dea.  John  Dag- 
gett 1st,)  July  18,  1721;  had  9  children,  Nathan,  Nathaniel, 
George,  Zilpha,  Eliz.  Elihu,  Amos,  Abigail,  Margaret,  1722 — 
1739. 

Noah  married  Patience  (4th  daughter  of  John  Daggett  1st) 
Oct. 4,  1722-had  7  children,  Zephaniah,  Mary,  Elijah,  Wil- 
liam, Huldah,  Enoch,  Comfort,  1723—1740. 

John  married  Thankful  Newell  and  had  several  descendants. 
Timothy  married  Eliz.  Grant.  Samuel  married  Mary  Cooper 
first  wife,  Mary  Ide  second  wife. 

Ebenezer  married  Eliz.  Read,  and  had  8  children,  Meheta- 
ble,  Sarah,  Ebenezer,  Samuel,  Eliz.  Ezekiel,  Dan,  Martha, 
1721—1738. 

Stanley,  Thomas,  Nathaniel,  Joseph,  Samuel,  Jacob,  John, 
came  from  Topsfield,  Mass.  and  settled  near  the  Falls.  The 
last  three  were  brothers.  Thomas  and  Samuel  were  here  in 
1707;  Jacob  came  about  1717.  Thomas  married  Mary  Gould 
— had  12  children,  Thomas,  Mary,  Phebe,  Nathaniel,  Samuel, 
Daniel,  David  (died  infant)  Martha,  William,  Abigail,  Priscil- 
la,  David. 

Jacob  married  Eliz.  Guild.  His  children  were  Jacob,  Ben- 
jamin, Eliz.  (died  infant)  Deborah,  Jon.  Eliz.  Solomon,  Abi- 
gail. 


*  They  were  descendants  of  George  Robinson  1st  of  Rehoboth,  whose 
name  is  on  our  List  of  Purchasers.    He  married  Joanna  Ingraham. 

William  Robinson,  freeman  Mass.  at  Salem,  27th  December,  164$;  John, 
M  June,  1641. 


15 

Nathaniel  married  Sarah  Blackinton.  His  children  were 
Servian,  Sarah,  Hepzibeth,  Abner,  Amy,  Sibula,  Wall,  Penti- 
cost,  Anne,  Nathaniel,  1721 — 1744. 

Starkey,  Andrew,  came  here  about  1708.  His  first  wife  was 
Mehitable  Waite,  by  whom  he  had  two  children,  Mehitable  b. 
May  1709;  John  b.  July  1712.  His  second  wife  was  Catha- 
rine (daughter  of  Alexander  Bolkcom)  by  whom  he  had  three 
children,  Jemima,  Andrew,  Thomas,  1722—1733.  Andrew 
sen.  died  16th  August  1740. 

Sweet,  Henry,  was  here  about  1690, — had  5  children,  John, 
Phillip  (died  infant)  Thomas,  Michael  (died  infant)  Dorothy. 
He  was  one  of  the  earliest,  if  not  the  first  of  that  name. — Died 
8th  December  1704. — Probably  a  descendant  of  John,  admit- 
ted freeman  1641. 

Sweetland,  John,  came  from  Marblehead,  with  several  others 
of  that  name  ;  three  of  his  children  were  Benjamin,  Deborah, 
Samuel,  1703-1711.     He  died  9th  June  1711. 

Tyler,  Ebenezer,  had  9  children,  Ebenezer,  Elizabeth,  Phe- 
be,  Catharine,  Hannah,  d.  John,  Hannah*  William,  1714 — 
1731.* 

Samuel  married  Mary  Capron — had  11  children,  Mary,  d. 
Samuel,  d.  Moses,  Samuel,  Mary,  Nathan,  Huidah,  Habijah 
and  Elizabeth  twins,  Ebenezer,  Benjamin  d. 

Wilkinson,  John,  came  here  about  1700— married  Rachel 
Fales.  His  children  were  8,  John,  Joseph,  Rachel,  Mary, 
Hepzibeth,  Abigail,  Sarah,  Hannah,  1702 — 1723.  He  pur- 
chased Capt.  Willett's  share  in  the  undivided  lands,  probably 
of  his  son  Andrew.     Died  24th  Jan.  1724-5. 

John  Wilkinson,  Maiden,  died  Dec.  1675.— Far.  Reg. 

Wilmarth,  Thomas,f  came  to  Attleborough  about  1708, — 
married  Deborah  Peck — had  7  children,  Mary,  Thomas,  Deb- 
orah, Elizabeth,  Anne,  Ebenezer,  Eliphalet,  1709—1728. 

Several  other  Wilmarths  came  from  that  town,  Samuel,  (son 


*  Tyler,  Abraham,  Eaverhill  1650,  died  6th  May  1673.  Job,  Andover 
1653,  had  a  son  Moses  who  died  1727  aged  85,  having  had  10  sons.  Na- 
thaniel, Lynn  1642.— Far.  .Reg. 

■j-  Grandson  of  Thomas  Wilmarth  Sen.  who  came  into  Reh«both  as  early 
as  March  23, 1645,  with  his  wife  and  children.  Thif  name  was  anciently 
ipsh  Vilmol. 


96 

of  Thomas  2d  of  Rehoboth)  Jonathan,  Nathan,  Stephen,  (sons 
of  Jonathan  of  that  place)  Daniel,  &c. 

The  Deanes  came  from  Taunton  ;  Ellises,  Drapers,  &c. 
fromDedham,  subsequent  to  1730. 

It  is  not  expected  that  the  foregoing  list  includes  all  who 
came  previous  to  that  period.  The  names  of  the  original  an- 
cestors of  some  could  not  be  ascertained. 

One  name  was  omitted  in  its  proper  place.  Bourne,  An- 
drew, came  (it  is  supposed  from  G.  Britain)  to  Attleborough, 
about  1720,  and  settled  in  the  East  part  of  the  town.  All  of 
that  name  in  this  vicinity  are  descended  from  him* 


list  of  the  names  of  persons  now  in  town,  with  the 
number  of  each  name  affixed,  taken  from  the  tax  list 
of  1832. 

A,  Albey  1 — Alger  2 — Aldrich  1 — Allen  8 — Alexander  1 
— Arnold  3— Atherton  2— Atwell  1. 

Ba  Babcock  3 — Bacon  2 — Barrows  8 — Bates  6— Bailey  1 
Baldwin  1— Bishop  3— Blake  1— Blackington  9— Blackwell  1 
— Blanchard  1 — Blanding4~-Bliss  5— Bolkcom  8— Bosworth 
1 — Bourne  1 — Bowen  5— Bragg  2 — Briggs  7 — Brown  4 — 
Bruce  1— Bullock  2. 

C-  Capron  11 — Cargill  1 — Carpenter  14 — Chace2 — Chan- 
dler 1— Cheever  1— Chickering  1— Claflin  14 — Clark  2— 
Clayes  1— Clinlock  Mc  1— Cobb  2— Codding  3— Cole  2— Col- 
vin  1 — Cook  1 — Cooper  3— Cornell  2— Crocker  1 — Crowning- 
shield  1 — Cutting  1 — Cummins  5 — Cushman  3. 

D.    Daggett  11— Dart  1— Day  2— Davis   1— Deane  11— 
Derry  1 — Dodge  2 — Draper  17 — Drake  2— Dunham  2. 
B.     Earl  1— Eddy  1— Eldridge  3— Ellis  3— Everett  4. 
P.     Fales   1— Fairbrother  2— Field  3— Fisher  6— Follet  2 
Forbush  1 — Foster  6— Franklin  1 — Freeman  7 — French  7 — 
Frost  1 — Fuller  21 — Furguson  1 — Furthington  1. 

G.     Gardner  2— Gay  1— George  2— Gilbert  1— Giles  1—  . 
Goffl— Grant  3— Green  3— Guild  2. 

H.  Hall  4— Hamar  1 — Harkness  1 — Harris  2— -Hatch  4 — 
Haven  2 — Hayward  1 — Hicks  1 — Hitchcock  1 — Holman  3— 
Holmes  7— Horr  2 — Horton  1— Hunt  2— Huntress  1. 


97 

I.    Ide  6 — Ingalls  1 — Ingraham  4. 
J.    Jackson  2— Jewett  2— Jillson  5— Jones  h 
K«     Kent  1— Kempton  2— Knowles  1. 
Xim     Lane   1— Latham    1 — Lathrop  1 — Lavery  1 — Lee  1 — 
Lewis  1 — Lindsey  3. 

MB     Mann  1 —Martin  6— Mason  3— -May  3— Metcalf  1— 
More  3 — Morse  6 — Morey  1. 
M".     Newell  4— Newman   1. 

P.  Paine  3— Parmenter  3— Peck  6— Perry  5— Pidge  2— 
Pierce  3— Pike  5-Phillip  1— Pond  1— Price  3. 

RB  Read  9— Richards  22— Richardson  15— Riley  1— 
Rhodes  2— Robinson  9— Rogers  1— Rounds  1. 

S.  Sanford  2— Savery  1— Shaw  3— Sheldon  1— Shepard  1 
— Shepardson  1 — Skinner  1— Slack  3 — Smith  1 — Sprague  1 
Stanley  13— Starkey  3— Stearns  1— Strafford  1— Stratton  1 — 
Streeter  1— Swan  1 — Sweet  6. 

T-  Thacher  2— Thayer  3— Thurber  2— Tiffany  2— Tifft  3 
— Tingley  2- Titus  2— Towne  3— Tripp  3— Tucker  1— Turn- 
er 1— Tyler  1. 

W.  Walker  1— Walton  1-Walcot  3— Warner  1— Wel- 
man  4— Westcot  2— Wheeler  1— Whipple  3— Whiting  4— 
White  7— Wilder  2— Williams  6— Wilmarth4l—  Witherell  4 
— Withington  2 — Woodcock  2 — Wood  3 — Worseley  1 — 
Wright  1. 

There  are  about  200  different  names  (sirnames)  on  the  List, 
and  618  different  persons.  There  are,  of  course,  some  other 
names  in  town  wich  are  not  in  the  assessor's  Rates  ;  but  the 
above  catalogue  includes  the  most  of  them.  These  items,  in- 
different to  some,  may  be  curiosities  to  others. 


LIST  OF  REPRESENTATIVES 

From  this  town  from  its  Incorporation,  in  1694,  to  1833.  Elec- 
tions were  in  May  unless  otherwise  designated. 


1709*  David  Freeman 

1710  David  Freeman  J 

1711  David  Freeman 

1712  Capt  Joseph  Brownt 

1713  Mr.  David  Freeman 
Lieut.  Nicholas  Ide§ 

1714  Lieut.  Nicholas  Ide 

1715  David  Freeman 

1716  David  Freeman 

1717  David  Freeman 

1718  David  Freeman 

1719  Jeremiah  Whipple 

1720  Dea.  John  Daggett 
David  Freemanfi 

1721  David  Freeman 

1722  No  one  would  accept. 

1723  Capt.  John  Foster 

1724  Mr.  Nathl.  Carpenter 

1725  Capt.  John  Foster 

1726  Capt.  Joseph  Brown 

1727  Capt.  Joseph  Brown 

1728  Capt.  Joseph  Brown 

1729  Mr.  Nathl.  Carpenter 

1730  Capt.  John  Foster 

1731  Capt.  John  Foster 

1732  Capt.  John  Foster 

1733  Nathaniel  Carpenter 

1734  Sent  an  excuse. 

1735  Nathaniel  Carpenter 

1736  Capt.  Mayhew  Daggett 

1737  John  Robinson 
Capt.  Mayhew  Daggett 
John  Foster,  Esq. 


Timothy  Tingley 
Samuel  Tyler 
Ahasel  Read 

1738  John  Foster,  Esq. 

1739  John  Robbins 

1740  John  Robbins 

1741  Capt.  Mayhew  Daggett 

1742  Capt.  Mayhew  Daggett 

1743  Maj.  John  Foster 

1744  Capt.  Mayhew  Daggett 

1745  Capt.  Samuel  Tyler 

1746  Perez  Bradford,  Esq.}; 

1747  Capt.  Samuel  Tyler 

1748  Capt.  Samuel  Tyler 

1749  Capt.  Samuel  Tyler 

1750  Benjamin  Day 

1751  Benjamin  Day 

1752  Benjamin  Day 

1753  Benjamin  Day 

1754  Name  not  on  record. 

1755  Name  not  on  record. 

1756  Lieut.  Josiah  Maxcy 

1757  "      Josiah  Maxcy 

1758  ••      Josiah  Maxcy 

1759  Dea.  Benjamin  Day 

1760  Japhesh  Bicknell 

1761  Stephen  Fuller 

1762  Stephen  Fuller,  Esq. 

1763  Stephen  Fuller,  Esq. 

1764  Dea.  Ebenezer  Lane 

1765  Dea.  Ebenezer  Lane 

1766  Dea.  Ebenezer  Lane 

1767  Dea.  Ebenezer  Lane 


*  The  reader  will  perceive  that  no  representative  was  chosen  during  the 
first  fourteen  years  after  the  incorporation.  The  reason  is  given  in  the 
extracts  from  the  town  records,  page  22,  24. 

t  Son  of  Mr.  John  Brown  of  Rehoboth  (welt  known  in  the  history  of 
the  Old  Colony)  came  here  about  1769  from  Kingston,  R.  I.  to  which  he 
bad  removed  about  1702.  In  this  list  the  titles,  generally  given  according 
to  the  custom  of  the  times,  are  retained  as  they  appear  on  record. 

♦  Nov. 1713.  11  June  1720. 

$  July  22d,  1746,  Capt.  Mayh»w  Daggett  wai  ehosen. 


99 


1805 
1806 
1807 
1S08 
1809 
1810 
1811 


1812 


1813 


1814 


1768  John  Daggett 

1769  John  Daggett 

1770  John  Daggett 

1771  John  Daggett 

1772  John  Daggett 

1773  Capt.  John  Daggett 

1774  Capt.  John  Daggett 

1775  Capt.  John  Daggett 

1776  Capt.  John  Stearns 

1777  Capt.  John  Stearns 
William  Stanley 

1778  Capt.  Elisha  May 

1779  Capt.  Elisha  May 

1780  Capt.  Elisha  May 
John  Daggett 

1181  Elisha  May 

1782  Name  not  found. 

1783  Col.  Steph.  Richardson  1815 

1784  Elisha  May,  Esq.  1816 

1785  Col.  S.  Richardson         1817 

1786  Capt.  Ebenezer  Tyler    1818 

1787  William  Stanley 

1788  Elisha  May.  Esq. 

1789  Capt.  C.  Richardson 

1790  Maj.  Ebenezer  Tyler 

1791  Elisha  May(  Esq. 

1792  Maj.  Ebenezer  Tyler 

1793  Elisha  May,  Esq. 

1794  Elisha  May,  Esq. 

1795  Elisha  May,  Esq. 

1796  Elisha  May,  Esq. 

1797  Elisha  May,  Esq. 

1798  Elisha  May,  Esq. 

1799  Col.  Ebenezer  Tyler 

1800  Elisha  May,  Esq. 

1801  Elisha  May,  Esq. 

1802  Maj.  Ebenezer  Tyler 

1803  Maj.  Ebenezer  Tyler 

1804  Maj.  Ebenezer  Tyler 


1819 
1820 
1821 
1822 
1823 
1824 
1825 
1826 
1827 


1828 

1829 
1830 
1831 
1832 
1833 


Ebenezer  Bacon 
Joel  Read,  Esq. 
Ebenezer  Bacon 
Joel  Read 
Joel  Read 
Joel  Read 
Joel  Read 
John  Richardson 
Benjamin  Bolkcom 
John  Richardson 
Joel  Read 
Benjamin  Bolkcom 
Joel  Read 
Benjamin  Bolkcom 
John  Richardson 
Capt.  Thomas  French 
Jabez  Newell 
A.  Richardson,  Jr. 
Ebenezer  Daggett  Esq. 
Sent  no  one. 

44         44         44 
(4         44         (4 

A.  Richardson  Jr. 
A.  Richardson  Jr. 
Ebenezer  Daggett  Esq. 
Ebenezer  Daggett  Esq. 

Sent  no  one. 
William  Blackinton 

William  Blackinton 

George  Ellis 
Elkanah  Briggs 
A.  Richardson  Jr. 

George  Ellis 

Elkanah  Briggs  Esq, 

Elkanah  Briggs  Esq. 

Elkanah  Briggs  Esq. 

Abijah  M.  Ide  Esq. 

Abijah  M.  Ide  Esq. 

Abijah  M.  Ide  Esq. 


100 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES. 

Rev.  Naphtali  Daggett,  D.  D.  President  of  Yale  College, 
was  the  son  of  Ebenezer  Daggett  and  Mary  his  wife,  and  was 
born  in  Attleborough    (at  the  residence   of  the  late   Ebenezer 
Daggett  Esq.)  Sept.  8th  1727.     He  was  the  second  son  among 
9  children.     His  father  dying  while  he  was  yet  young,  he  was 
left  under  the  direction  of  a  mother,  who  was,  however,  in  ev- 
ery respect,  peculiarly  qualified  to  discharge  the  duties  which 
devolved  upon  her.     He  soon  after  commenced  studies  prepar- 
atory to  college.     He  entered  Yale  College  in  1744,  and  grad- 
uated in  1748,  at  the  age  of  21.     He  was  distinguished  during 
his  college  life  for  industry  and  close  application. 

He  was  settled  as  minister  of  Smithtown  on  Long  Island  in 
1751.  In  Sept.  1755  he  was  elected  the  first  Professor  of 
Divinity  in  Yale  College,  which  appointment  he  accepted,  and 
removed  to  New  Haven,  and  was  inducted  into  office  on  the 
4th  of  March  following.*  This  office  he  held  during  his  life. 
After  the  resignation  of  Mr.  Clap  Sept.  10th  1766,  he  officia- 
ted as  President  till  April  1st  1777,  when  he  resigned  the  of- 
fice, but  still  continued  to  hold  that  of  Professor  of  Divinity. 
The   learned  Dr.  Stiles  was  his  successor  in  the  Presidency. 

During  the  barbarous  attack  on  New  Haven  by  the  British 
army,  in  July  1779,  he  took  an  active  part  in  the  defence  of 
the  country,  and  was  distinguished  for  his  resolution  and  intre- 
pidity.!   He  was  taken  prisoner  and  came  near  losing  his  life. 

*  The  foundation  of  this  Professorship  was  laid  in  1746  by  a  donation 
from  the  Hon.  Phillip  Livingston,  of  New  York;  and  having  received  a 
considerable  addition  by  another  donation  from  Mr.  Gershom  Clark,  of 
Lebanon,  with  some  appropriations  by  the  college,  it  afforded  a  sufficient 
salary  for  the  support  of  such  an  office,  which  was  accordingly  established 
in  1755.  A  house  for  the  use  of  the  incumbent  was  erected  by  subscription  ; 
and  finished  in  1758. 

t  He  had  made  himself  obnoxious  by  bis  open,  and  active  opposition  to 
the  British  cause.  He  had  often  inculcated  upon  the  students  under  his 
charge,— in  the  pulpit  and  in  the  lecture-room, — the  duty  of  resistance  to 
British  oppression.  He  had  therefore  incurred  the  special  displeasure  of 
the  invaders.  He  had  openly  preached  and  prayed  against  the  success  of 
their  cause.  He  knew  no  difference  between  preaching  and  practicing; 
and  when  the  crisis  came,  he  carried  his  own  principles  into  action.  He 
shouldered  bis  musket  and  went  into  the  field  with  the  rest  to  repel  the  in- 


101 

Dr.  Daggett  died,  (in  consequence  of  the  wounds  he  had  re- 
ceived on  that  occasion)  Nov.  25th  1780  at  the  age  of  53.  He 
presided  over  the  University  about  eleven  years,  and  held  the 
office  of  Professor  of  Divinity  twenty-five  years.  Possessed  of 
a  strong,  clear,  and  comprehensive  mind,  he  applied  himself 
with  assiduity  and  success  to  the  various  branches  of  knowl- 
edge, particularly  to  the  learned  languages  and  divinity.  Dr. 
Holmes  in  his  life  of  President  Stiles,  says,  *  he  was  a  good 
classical  scholar ;  well  versed  in  moral  philosophy ;  and  a 
learned  divine.'  Clearness  of  understanding  and  accuracy  of 
thought  were  characteristics  of  his  mind.  He  received  the 
honorary  degree  of  Doctor  in  Divinity  from  Yale  College,  and 
also  from  Nassau,  New  Jersey.  He  published  a  sermon  on  the 
death  of  President  Clap  17C7  ;  another  delivered  at  the  ordina- 
tion of  Rev.  Ebenezer  Baldwin  1770;  and  a  third  delivered  at 
the  ordination  of  Rev.  J.  Howe,  1773. 


Col.  John  Daggett,  an  elder  brother  of  the  preceding- 
born  Sept  2d  1724  or  5 — was  one  of  the  principal  public  char- 
acters and  leading  men  of  the  town,  especially  during  the  try- 
ing period  of  the  Revolution.     He  and  Col.  May  were  the  two 


vailers.  He  was  taken  prisoner  by  the  enemy.  They  beat,  and  bruised 
him.  and  offered  him  every  indignity  in  their  power.  His  clerical  charac- 
ter, in  their  eyes,  was  no  exemption  from  the  most  outrageous  abuses.  They 
demanded  of  him,  who  he  was — he  unhesitatingly  replied,  M  My  name  is 
Napthali  Daggett— I  am  one  of  the  officers  of  Yale  College — I  require  you 
to  release  me."  "But  we  understand  you  have  been  in  the  habit  of  pray- 
ing against  our  cause."  "Yes— and  I  never  made  more  sincere  prayers  in 
my  life." 

He  was  at  first  left  for  dead  on  the  ground.  He  was  ^aved  by  the  intre- 
pidity of  the  lady  into  whose  house  he  had  been  coiveyed.  After  the  Brit, 
ish  had  retired,  an  officer  and  a  file  of  soldiers  were  sent  back  to  convey 
him  a  prisoner  on  board  their  transports.  They  came  to  the  house  and  in- 
quired for  him,  and  were  answered  by  the  lady  (who  appeared  at  the  dc  or, 
and  resolutely  refused  to  admit  them)  that  he  was  so  badly  woundid,  it 
would  be  impossible  to  convey  him  on  board  alive.  4*  My  orders,"  said 
the  officer,  "are  positive,  to  take  him  with  me."  But  you  would  not  sure- 
ly carry  away  a  dying  man;— he  is  now  in  the  agonies  of  death.  After 
repeated  demands  and  refusals,  the  officer  finally  determintd  to  return  and 
report  the  case  to  his  superior  and  ask  for  further  orders.  But  he  never 
came  back  after  bis  prisoner. 

14 


102 

on  whom  the  town  placed  the  utmost  reliance.  He  was  pos- 
sessed of  a  strong  and  sound  mind,  and  was  marked  by  a  reso- 
lute and  decided  character.  He  was  a  puritan  in  the  plainness 
and  simplicity  of  his  manners,  and  was  a  firm  friend  to  the  civ- 
il institutions  and  republican  customs  of  New  England. 

He  was  commissioned  one  of  his  Majesty's  Justices  of  the 
Peace  under  the  Provincial  Government  before  the  Revolu- 
tion. He  took  an  early  and  decided  stand  (with  many  other 
patriotic  citizens  of  this  town)  in  the  commencement  of  those 
proceedings  which  produced  the  Revolution.  He  was  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Provincial  Congress  which  assembled  at  Cambridge. 
For  a  long  succession  of  years  he  was  elected  a  member  of  the 
Legislature  ;  and  was  also  a  member  of  the  Convention  which 
formed  the  Constitution.  He  was  generally  called  to  serve  on 
the  most  important  committees  which  were  raised  in  town 
meeting  to  consider  the  many  difficult  subjects  which  were 
then  brought  before  the  people  during  and  subsequent  to  the 
Revolution.  Col.  Daggett  commanded  the  regiment  from  the 
county  of  Bristol  both  in  Spencer's  and  Sullivan's  Expedi- 
tious on  Rhode  Island, — in  '77  and  '79. 

At  home  he  was  extensively  employed  as  a  surveyor,  and 
was  engaged  in  various  other  kinds  of  public  business  such  as 
the  ordinary  transactions  of  life  require  between  citizens.  He 
died  universally  respected,  January  20th  1803,  at  the  age  of  79. 


A  third  brother,  Doct.  Ebenezer  Daggett,  was  a  respecta- 
ble physician,  who  settled  in  Wrentham  village  where  he  ac- 
quired an  extensive  practice.     He  married  Miss  Metcalf, 

daughter  of  Timothy  Metcalf  Esq.  of  Wrentham,  by  whom 
he  had  several  children. 

,  His  son,  Rev.  Herman  Daggett,  graduated  at  Brown  Univer- 
sity in  1788,  and  pursued  his  professional  studies  with  Dr. 
Emmons  of  Franklin.  He  was  settled,  a  few  years,  in  the  min- 
istry on  Long  Island  ;  and  afterwards  removed  to  Ridge- 
field,  Connecticut,  and  finally  to  Cornwall,  where  he  died  in 
1832.  He  was  principal  of  the  Foreign  Mission  School  es- 
tablished at  the  latter  place. 


103 

DocTr  Bezaleel  Mann — a  well  known  and  worthy  physi- 
cian of  this  town, — deserves  a  notice  in  these  sketches.  He 
was  a  descendant  of  Rev.  Samuel  Mann  the  first  minister  of 
Wrentham.  He  studied  his  profession  with  Dr.  Hewes  of 
Foxborough,  and  commenced  business  in  this  town  sometime 
previous  to  J 750.  Dr.  Mann  had  the  reputation  of  being  a 
skillful  physician,  and  had  acquired  an  extensive  circle  of 
practice.     His  character  is  justly  portrayed  in  his  epitaph. 

"  Bezaleel  Mann  mort.  die  Octo.  tert.  1796,  an.  aetat.  74. 
Early  imbued  with  the  principles  of  moral  rectitude,  he  sus- 
tained through  the  diversified  concerns  of  a  long  and  active 
life,  the  character  of  an  honest  man.  As  a  physician,  he  com- 
manded, during  the  period  of  near  50  years,  that  unlimited 
confidence  and  respect,  which  talents  alone  can  inspire.  The 
features  of  his  mind  were  sketched  by  the  glowing  pencil  of 
nature,  filled  up  with  qualities  that  adorn  humanity,  and 
shaded  with  few  infirmities  the  frequent  attendants  on  mental 
excellence." 

"  Bebe  Mann,*  his  wife,  mort.  die  Octo.  tert.  1793,  aetat.  61. 
She  was  a  person  of  bright  genius,  of  few  words,  and  much 
reserved  in  mind.  From  early  youth  she  marked  all  her  paths 
with  virtue,  and  timely  took  the  advice  Christ  gave  to  his  dis- 
ciples, and  made  to  herself  a  friend  of  the  mammon  of  un- 
righteousness, and  when  she  failed,  could,  with  christian  con- 
fidence, say,  that  her  witness  was  in  heaven  and  her  reward 
on  high. 

This  stone  is  erected  by  the  grateful  hand  of  filial  piety  to 
protect  the  awful  dust  of  revered  parents." 

These  inscriptions  may  be  found  in  Alden's  valuable  Collec- 
tion of  Epitaphs. 

Dr.  Maun  had  several  sons  who  entered  the  professions.— 
His  son  Preston,  who  is  a  physician,  was  graduated  at  Brown 
University,  and  settled  in  Newport,  R.  I.  where  he  is  now  liv- 
ing. Another  son,  John  Milton,  was  also  a  graduate  at  Brown 
University,  became  a  physician,  and  removed  to  the  State  of 
N.  York,  where  he  was  drowned  in  attempting  to  cross  the  Riv- 
er Hudson.  His  second  daughter  married  one  of  his  students* 
Dr.  Seth  Capron  of  this  town,  who,  with  another  son,  Newton* 


•  Sha  wai  a  daughter  of  Mr.  Esekiel  Carpeuter  of  this  toirn. 


104 

removed  to  the  State  of  New  York,  where  they  are  now  living. 
His  second  son,  Herbert,  was  educated  a  physician,  and  enter- 
ed, as  surgeon,  on  board  the  privateer  General  Arnold,  Capt. 
Magee,  and  was  lost  in  that  terrible  storm  which  ensued,  in 
Plymouth  Harbor,  26th  Dec.  1778.  The  stone  which  is  here 
erected  to  his  memory  contains  the  following  epitaph  : 

1  In  memory  of  doctor  Herbert  Mann,  who,  with  119  sailors 
with  Capt.  James  Magee,  master,  went  on  board  the  brig  Gen- 
eral Arnold,  in  Boston  Harbor,  25th  Dec.  1778,  hoisted  sail, 
made  for  sea,  and  were  immediately  overtaken  by  the  most 
tremendous  snow  storm  with  cold,  that  was  ever  known  in  the 
memory  of  man,  and,  unhappily,  parted  their  cable  in  Ply- 
mouth harbor,  in  a  place  called  the  Cow-yards,  and  he,  with 
about  100  others,  was  frozen  to  death  ;  sixty-six  of  whom  were 
buried  in  one  grave.*  He  was  in  the  21st  year  of  his  age. — 
And  now  Lord  God  Almighty,  just  and  true  are  all  thy  ways, 
but  who  can  stand  before  thy  cold  V 


Hon.  Elisha  May  was  a  distinguished   citizen  of  this  town, 
who  was  often  employed  in  public  office,   and  whose  name  is 
etill  held  in  reverence  by  those  who  remember  him.     Courte- 
ous  and   gentlemanly  in  his  manners,  and  honorable  and  up- 
right in  his  principles,    he  was  universally  esteemed.     Intelli- 
gent and  active  in  business,  he  was  well    qualified  to  fulfil  the 
various    offices  to  which  he  was    elected.     He  discharged  the 
various  duties  which  devolved  upon  him,    with  ability,  and  en- 
tire satisfaction  to  his  constituents.     He  was,  in  fine,  one  of  the 
most  valuable  citizens  of  this  town.     He  died  Nov.    15th,  1811, 
in  the   73d  year   of  his   age.     His   character  is  justly   though 
briefly  described  by  one   who  was  personally  acquainted  with 
him.     The  following   extract   is  from  a  Discourse  delivered  at 
his  interment,  by  the  Rev.  John  Wilder,  then  the  pastor  of  the 
1st  Congregational  Church  in  this  town. 

4  His  memory  will  long  be  precious,  not  only  to  his  near  rel- 
atives and  friends,  but  likewise  to  his  intimate  acquaintance, 
to  his  neighbors,  to  the  religious  society  in  this  place,  and  to 
the  inhabitants  of  the  town.     For  he  is  the  man  whom  his  fel- 


*  In  th»  town  of  Plymouth. 


105 

low-citizens   have   delighted  to  honor  ;  nor  was  he  unworthy 
their  respect  and  confidence.     For  blessed  with  a  sound  mind, 
a  retentive  memory,  a  quick  discernment  of  men  and  things,  a 
polite  address,  an  honest  heart,  and  an  education  considerably 
above  mediocrity,  he  was  singularly  qualified  for  public  employ- 
ments of  various  kinds.     And  his  worth  was  early  discovered  ; 
for  at  the  time  of  the  Revolutionary   war  he  was  an  active  and 
useful  member   both  in   the  military  and  civil  departments. — 
Since  that  period  he  was  employed,    without  opposition,    as  a 
legislator,  or  a  counsellor,  until  he  chose  to  retire.     For  about 
27  years  in  succession,    one  excepted,  he  was  called  to  a  seat 
in  the  Legislature,  and  chiefly  in  the  upper  house.    For  almost 
forty     years  together  he  has  been    moderator   of  the  town 
meetings  in  this  place  ;  in  which  cffice  he  was  equalled  by  few, 
and  exceeded  by  none.     He  had  the  honor  of  being  an  elector 
of  the  President  of  the  United  States.    As  a  magistrate  through- 
out the    Commonwealth,  he  did  much  business,  and   to  very 
general  satisfaction.     He  was  justly  celebrated   both  at  home 
and  abroad,  for  his  wisdom  in  adjusting  and  settling  differences 
between  contending  parties.     As  a  politician   he  was  a  friend 
and  disciple  of  Washington.     As  a  man   he  was  prepossessing 
and  engaging.     As  a  friend  he  was  faithful  and  constant.     As 
a  neighbor  he  was   kind  and    obliging.     As  a  husband    he  was 
attentive   and  tender.     As    a   parent  he   was  pleasant  and  af- 
fectionate.    As  to    his  religion,    lie  was  a  firm  believer  in  the 
christian  system,  and  a  very  constant,    attentive,    and    appar- 
ently devout  attender  on  public  worship,  all  his  life.' 


John  Foster,  Esq.  appears  from  the  records  to  have  been  a 
useful  public  man  in  his  day,  though  but  few  facts  of  his  life 
are  known  to  the  author.  He  was  chosen  moderator  of  town 
meetings  for  a  long  succession  of  years—was  a  surveyor  of 
lands — an  active  justice  of  the  peace — and  for  several  years  a 
representative  of  the  town,  <$*c. 


Rev.  Jonathan  Maxct,  S.  T.  D.  President  of  Rhode  Island, 
Union  and  Columbia  colleges,  was  one  of  the  most  eminent 
pulpit  orators  of  this  country.    He  was  born  in  thii  town,  Sept. 


♦  106 

2d,  1768.     He  prepared  for  college,  in  the  school  of  the  Rev, 
William  Williams,  of  Wrentham,  which  was  then  the  most  cel- 
ebrated institution    in  the    vicinity,   and    the  resort   of  a  great 
many  young  men  for  the  pursuit  of  classical  studies.     He  grad- 
uated at  Brown   University  in  1787,   and  was  immediately  ap- 
pointed a  Tutor.     He  was  ordained  pastor    of  the  1st  Baptist 
Church  in  Providence,  Sept.  8,  1791,  and  at  the  same  time  was 
appointed  the  first  Professor  of  Divinity  in  that  college.*     Af- 
ter the  death  of  President  Manning,  he  was  unanimously  elect- 
ed President,  A.  D.  1792,   at  the  early   age  of  twenty -four  ! — 
He  presided  over  this  University  for  eleven  years,  with  distin- 
guished success  and  with  a  splendid   reputation  for   eloquence 
and  learning.     His    administration    was  marked  by  mildness, 
urbanity  and  dignity.     Under  bis  guardianship   the  University 
acquired  a  distinguished  name  for  oratory.     Guided  by  his  fos- 
tering genius,  it  sent  forth  a  constellation  of  eloquent  and  ac- 
complished speakers,   who  have  shone  in  various  departments 
of  public  life,  and  whose  eloquence  has  been  felt  in  the  pulpit, 
at  the  bar,  and  in  the  halls  of  legislation — many  of  whom  have 
acquired  a  national  renown.  He  was  peculiarly  fitted  to  stamp 
impressions  of  his  own  character  on  the  minds  of  those  around 
him,  and  to  infuse  his  own   spirit   into  theirs.     He   acquired  a 
salutary  influence  over  the  youth  committed  to  his  charge.     He 
imbued  their  hearts  with  a  taste  for  literature  and   with  a  love 
of  truth  and  moral  beauty, — and   excited  in   their  bosoms,    the 
most  ardent  aspirations  after   excellence.     He  knew  well  how 
to  kindle  and  fan  the   flame   of  Genius.     His  memory  is  cher- 
ished by  all  his  pupils  with  peculiar  affection  and  gratitude. — 
In  speaking  of  the  University,    it  has  been    truly   said,   that  he 
was  one    *  whose  name  and  fame  are   identified   with  its  repu- 
tation, and  whose    mingled    mildness,    dignity,   and  goodness, 
equalled  only  by  his  genius,  learning  and  eloquence,    subdued 
all  envy,  made  all  admirers  friends,    and  gave  him  nn  irresisti- 
ble sway  over  the  minds  of  those  placed  under  his  care.'f 

Though  accomplished  in  every    department  of  learning,    he 
was  distinguished  more  particularly  as  a  Belles  Lettres  scholar* 

*He  was  the  first  and  only  professor  of  divinity   ever  appointed  in  Brown 
University. 

t  Hon.  Virgil  Maxcy's  Discourse  before  the  Phi  Beta  K«ppa  of  Browa 
University,  Sept.  4th,  1853. 


lot 

His  oratory  was  in  some  respects  peculiar.  There  was  noth- 
ing1 ii»  it  like  rant  or  affectation — no  appearance  of  that  popu- 
lar declamation  which  is  so  often  employed  to  captivate  the 
multitude.  There  was  apparently  no  attempt  in  it  to  produce 
effect — no  labored  display — but  every  thing  appeared  easy, 
natural  and  unstudied.  It  was  deep — impassioned — but  not 
declamatory.  His  voice  was  not  naturally  powerful,  but  he 
had  it  perfectly  under  his  control  through  all  its  intonations. 
He  usually  commenced  in  a  calm  and  moderate  tone,  but  grew 
warmer  and  more  animated  as  he  advanced  in  his  discourse, 
and  gradually  and  imperceptibly  gained  upon  the  attention  and 
feelings  of  his  hearers,  until  every  one  present  was  wholly  en- 
grossed upon  the  subject  of  the  speaker.  Indeed,  he  himself 
seemed  completely  absorbed  in  his  own  subject,  and  by  the  in- 
fluence of  sympathy  carried  his  audience  with  him. 

His  delivery  was  remarkably  expressive.  Every  sentiment 
he  uttered  came  from  the  heart  and  vibrated  through  his  whole 
frame.  —  Every  cord  and  muscle  was  an  echo  to  his  soul.  His 
elocution  was  full  of  grace— yet  his  poioer  was  not  in  this 
—  it  was  in  the  life, — the  soul, — which  he  infused  into  his  voice, 
— his  gestures, — and  his  countenance,— all  expressive  and  har- 
monious. His  eloquence  was  at  once  graceful  and  forcible. — 
In  a  word,  he  had  in  perfection,  what  Demosthenes  called  Ac- 
tion. 

He  did  not  neglect  to  cultivate  the  minor  graces  of  elocu- 
tion. He  never  made  a  prayer  or  delivered  any  thing  in  pub- 
lic, extempore,  even  on  the  most  ordinary  occasions,  in  which 
every  sentence  and  every  word  were  not  accurately  arranged 
and  in  iheir  right  place.  Though  his  voice  was  naturally  fee- 
ble, it  was  able  to  occupy  a  large  compass,  and  every  word 
and  every  syllable  he  uttered,  in  the  largest  audience,  fell  dis- 
tinctly on  the  ear  of  the  most  distant  auditor. 

The  following  extract  will  show  the  estimation  in  which  he 
was  held  at  the  South.  It  was  written  but  a  short  time  previ- 
ous to  his  death,  and  contains  a  brief  but  lively  description  of 
the  impressive  effects  of  his  eloquence,  even  when  his  powers 
were  impaired  by  advancing  age  and  feeble  health. 


108 

From  the  Charleston  City  Gazette. 
Extract  of  a  letter  from  a  gentleman  residing  in  Columbia,  to  his 

friend  in  Charleston, 

"Columbia,  6th  July,  1S19. 

"Last  Sunday  we  went  to  hear  Dr.  Maxcy.  It  being  the 
4th  of  July,  it  was  a  discourse  appropriate  to  that  eventful  pe- 
riod. I  had  always  been  led  to  believe  the  Doctor  an  eloquent 
and  impressive  preacher  ;  but  had  no  idea,  till  now,  that  he 
possessed  such  transcer.dant  powers.  I  never  heard  such  a 
stream  of  eloquence.— It  flowed  from  his  lips,  even  like  the  oil 
from  Aaron's  head.  Every  ear  was  delighted,  every  heart  was 
elated,  every  bosom  throbbed  with  gratitude.  Such  appropri- 
ate metaphor  !  such  grand,  such  sublime  descriptions!  such 
exalted  ideas  of  Deity  !  and  delivered  with  all  the  grace,  the 
force,  the  elegance  of  a  youthful  orator  !  I  was  sometimes  in 
pain,  lest  this  good  old  man  should  outdo  himself  and  become 
exhausted;  but  as  he  advanced  in  his  discourse,  he  rose  in  an- 
imation, till  at  length  he  reached  heights  the  most  sublime, 
and  again  descended  with  the  same  facility  with  which  he  soar- 
ed. So  far  as  I  can  judge,  (and  your  partiality,  I  know,  will 
allow  me  to  be  no  mean  critic)  there  was  not  heard  the  slight- 
est deviation  from  the  most  correct  enunciation  and  grammat- 
ical arrangement;  all  the  powers  of  art  seemed  subservient  to 
his  absolute  control.  In  short,  I  never  heard  any  thing  to 
compare  to  Dr.  Maxcy's  sermon,  in  all  the  course  of  my  life; 
and,  old  as  I  am,  I  would  now  walk  even  twenty  miles  through 
the  hottest  sands  to  listen  to  such  another  discourse.  I  am 
persuaded,  I  shall  never  hear  such  another  in  this  life." 

His  most  celebrated  performance,  while  he  presided  over 
Brown  University,  regarded  as  a  specimen  of  pulpit  oratory, 
was  his  sermon  on  the  existence  and  attributes  of  God,  deliv- 
ered at  Providence  in  1795,  which  is  frequently  spoken  of, 
even  at  this  day,  and  produced  at  the  time  the  most  lively  and 
striking  effect  on  the  audience.  Those  who  heard  it  will  nov- 
el* forget  it.  The  impression  it  produced  was  the  result,  in  a 
great  degree,  of  the  manner  of  its  delivery.  Such  a  brilliant 
effort  of  eloquence  has  seldom  been  witnessed  in  any  house  of 
public  worship.  This  discourse,  though  enlivened  by  a  bold, 
luxuriant,  and  brilliant  imagination,  and  a  loftiness  of  concep- 
tion, ii  yet  characterized  by  his  usual  neatness  and  simplicity 


109;  i 

of  language.  Indeed,  in  his  highest  flights,  his  style  of  writing 
was  always  remarkable  for  a  pure  English  idiom  and  a  clas- 
sical simplicity  of  language.  In  fine,  he  was  an  eloquent  ora- 
tor and  a  learned  scholar. 

In  1802,  Dr.  Maxcy  resigned  the  Presidency  of  Brown  Uni- 
versity, and  accepted  that  of  Schenectady,  N.  Y.  where  he 
remained  till  the  establishment  of  the  new  College  in  Colum- 
bia, S.  Carolina,  in  1804,  of  which  he  was  appointed  the  first 
President,  and  immediately  removed  to  that  place,  where  he 
continued  till  the  day  of  his  death,  June  4th  1820,  at  the  age 
of  52.  He  was  appointed  to  the  office  of  President  the  young- 
est, and  presided  the  longest  in  proportion  to  his  years,  of  any 
person  in  this  country.  He  was  connected  with  some  college, 
either  as  student  or  officer,  nearly  38  out  of  the  52  years  of 
his  life. 

In  1801  he  was  honored  with  the  degree  of  Doctor  of  Divin- 
ity from  Harvard  University. 

His  wife  was  Susan  Hopkins,  a  daughter  of  Commodore 
Eseck  Hopkins  of  Providence,  by  whom  he  had  several  daugh- 
ters,— and  four  sons,  all  of  whom  have  been  liberally  educa- 
ted. Several  of  the  sons  still  survive  and  are  in  the  profes- 
sion of  the  law.     His  widow  is  still  living  in  Columbia,  S.  C 

He  published  a  Discourse  on  the  death  of  President  Man- 
ning, 1792  ;  a  Sermon  on  the  Existence  of  God  demonstrated 
from  the  works  of  creation,  1795 ;  a  Discourse  on  the  Atone- 
ment, in  two  parts,  1796;  an  Address  to  a  Class,  1797;  an 
Address  to  the  graduating  class,  1801  ;  an  Address  to  the 
graduating  class,  1802  ;  an  Oration  on  the  4th  of  July ;  and  a 
Funeral  Sermon  before  the  Legislature  of  South  Carolina, 
1818. 

This  is  necessarily,  a  brief,  and,  I  fear,  an  imperfect  sketch. 
It  requires  an  abler  pen  than  mine  to  portray  the  amiable  and 
brilliant  character  of  Maxcy,  and  to  do  justice  to  his  splendid 
talents  as  an  orator.  Those  only  who  knew  him  in  the  merid- 
ian of  life,  and  who  have  seen  and  felt  the  power  of  his  elo- 
quence, can  give  an  adequate  description.  His  memory  de- 
mands a  tribute  of  fMial  affection  from  someone  of  his  many 
distinguished  pupils,  who  are  so  deeply  indebted  to  his  example 
and  instructions  for  the  eminence  which  they  now  enjoy  iu 
public  life. 

15 


110 

Hon.  Ebenezer  Daggett,  whojdied  recently,  while  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Senate  from  Bristol  District,  affords   the  example  of 
ft  life  worthy  of  imitation  by  his  fellow  citizens.     He  was  the 
youngest  son  of  Col.  Daggett  whose  life  has  been  previously 
noticed,  and  was  born  April  16,  1763.     Few  men  in  this  town 
have  devoted  so  large  a  portion  of  their  time  to  the  public  ser- 
vice.    He  held  a  commission  of  the  Peace  for  nearly  30  years, 
and  honorably  discharged  its  most  important  duties.     He  serv- 
ed the  town  at  various  times  in  the  capacity  of  Selectman  and 
Town  Clerk  upwards  of  twenty  years.     He   represented  the 
town  several  years  in  the  General  Court.     A  large  part  of  the 
last  thirty  years  of  his  life  was  occupied  in  some  public  em- 
ployments.    In  various  ways  he  rendered  himself  serviceable 
to  his  fellow  citizens.     In  the  spring  of  1831  he  was  elected  a 
mtmber  of  the  Senate  for  this  District.     At  the  succeeding 
November  election  he  was  re-chosen  to  the  same  office  ;— and 
while  in  the  discharge  of  the  honorable  and   responsible  duties 
of  this  station,  he  was  called  by  the  order  of  Providence  to  close 
his  life,  at  Boston,  on  the  4th  of  March,  1S32,  in  the  69th  year 
of  his  age. 

Possessed  of  natural  abilities  above  mediocrity,  which  he 
had  improved  by  self-education,  he  always  directed  them  to 
useful  purposes.  Plain  and  unassuming  in  his  manners,  mild 
and  uniform  in  his  disposition — he  had  won  the  confidence  of 
his  fellow-citizens,  but  never  sought  after  the  honors  which 
were  bestowed  upon  him.  Guided  by  fixed  and  pure  princi- 
ples, he  was  upright  and  honorable  in  all  his  dealings  with  his 
fellow-men  ;  and  preserved  a  character  of  unsullied  integrity, 
through  a  long  and  active  life.  He  was  regarded  by  his  neigh- 
bors as  their  father  and  adviser.  If  they  were  in  difficulty  or 
doubt,  they  came  to  him  for  counsel  and  assistance,  and  both 
were  freely  offered.  So  great  was  their  confidence  in  his  in- 
tegrity and  judgment,  that  he  was  generally  the  chosen  umpire 
in  cases  of  controversies  between  his  fellow-citizens.  He  was, 
in  fine,  in  the  true  and  enlarged  sense  of  the  word,  a.  useful 
man.  His  life,  indeed,  as  has  been  justly  remarked  of  him,  af- 
fords an  encouraging  example  of  the  truth,  that  respectable 
talents  united  with  integrity  and  industry  will  raise  a  man  to 
honor  and  usefulness. 

The  following  remarks  on  the  character  of  the  deceased,  art 


Ill 

extracted  from  a  Funeral  Discourse,  delivered  at  Attleborough 
22d  April,  1832,  by  Rev.  Mr.  Ferguson. 

*  Where  is  that  venerated  husband  and  father,  that  highly  es- 
teemed and  useful  citizen,  who  scarce  four  months  ago,  stood 
bending  under  the  bereavement  of  Providence,  an  unexpected, 
yet  quiet  and  submissive  mourner*  in  the  bouse  of  the  Lord  1 
Alas!  he  has  gone  down  to  the  grave  unto  his  son,  mourning. 
The  last  opportunity  which  I  enjoyed  of  conversing  with  our 
departed  friend,  was  on  the  eve  of  his  leaving  home  to  attend 
to  his  official  duties,  in  the  Legislature,  as  a  member  of  the 
Senate.  I  mention  this  circumstance,  because  it  was  then 
abundantly  evident,  that  those  official  honors,  which  are  gen- 
erally sought  as  the  rewards  of  successful  competition,  may 
come  to  be  regarded  as  a  burden  rather  than  an  honorable  dis- 
tinction. During  our  conversation  he  lamented,  that  official 
duties  obliged  him  at  such  a  time  to  leave  home,  and  to  mingle 
in  scenes  so  foreign  to  the  state  of  his  mind.  He  regretted 
that  the  choice  of  the  people  had  not  fallen  upon  some  other 
candidate,  .and  remarked,  that  such  scenes  were  better  adapt- 
ed to  gratify  those  who  were  young  and  aspiring,  than  the  aged 
and  afflicted.  It  is  known  to  you  all,  that  from  that  tour  of 
duty,  he  never  returned.  To  an  observer  it  must  have  been 
evident,  that  to  commune  with  his  own  heart — to  mingle  his 
sympathies  with  those  of  his  family,  and  to  prepare  himself  for 
his  own  great  change,  would  have  been  more  congenial  to  his 
mind,  than  the  halls  of  Legislation,  and  the  investigation  of 
our  political  relations.  In  his  case,  moreover,  political  em- 
ployments had  long  ceased  to  be  a  novelty.  He  was  emphati- 
cally a  public  man.  Twenty  years  of  his  life  had  been  occu- 
pied in  superintending  the  interests  of  the  town.  Twice  he 
was  elected  to  the  Senate  ; — and  perhaps  no  man  among  us 
has  been  more  called  upon  to  administer  upon  the  estates  of 
the  deceased  and  to  act  as  the  guardian  of  the  orphan.  The 
general  character  which  he  sustained  through  life  was  that  of 
uniformity,  uprightness,  and  moderation.  In  the  hottest  strife 
of  parties,  although  a  public  and  a  decided  man,  he  never 
could  be  regarded  as  a  partisan.  He  had  been  an  actor  and 
in  some  respects  a  public  character  from  the  time  of  the  Revo- 


*  For  the  sudden  and  violent  death  of  a  beloved  son. 


112 

lution  ;  but  through  all  the  changes  of  the  eventful  times  in 
which  he  lived,  he  continued  to  the  last  to  stand  forth  before 
his  fellow-citizens,  in  the  character  of  an  honest,  upright,  and 
consistant  man. 

His  last  sickness  commenced  on  the  23d  of  February.  He 
had,  the  day  before,  in  apparent  health,  attended  the  Centen- 
nial Celebration  of  the  birth  of  Washington,  and  walked  in 
procession  with  the  other  members  of  the  Senate  ;  but  all  be- 
yond was  his  dying  sickness.  Early  on  the  succeeding  morn- 
ing, he  was  violently  attacked  with  a  fever,  which  terminated 
in  death  on  the  4th  of  March. 

I  have  felt  it  my  duty,  in  view  of  his  public  character,  to  en- 
ter into  details  which,  in  other  circumstances,  might  have  been 
inexpedient.  In  the  relations  of  life  ;  in  his  intercourse  be- 
tween man  and  man  ;  in  the  maintenance  of  a  character  for 
uniformity,  uprightness,  and  self-possession,  his  works  praise 
him,  and  he  is  with  us,  for  an  example.  In  all  that  is  beyond, 
it  is  ours  to  consign  him  to  his  grave  and  to  his  God.  Happy 
would  it  be  for  our  community,  were  our  party  divisions  always 
controlled  by  men  of  equal  mildness  and  moderation — happy 
would  it  be  for  our  community,  did  all  our  public  men  mani- 
fest an  equal  regard  for  the  maintenance  of  order,  morals, 
and  religion.' 


There  were  many  other  worthy  and  useful  eitizens,  who  de- 
serve commemoration  in  this  place, — who,  though  dead,  yet 
live  in  their  works.  But  at  this  distance  of  time  it  is  difficult 
to  ascertain  the  peculiar  traits  of  their  character,  and  the 
events  of  their  lives.  The  retired  but  useful  employments  in 
which  they  were  engaged,  and  the  '  even  tenor  of  their  lives,' 
supply  but  few  prominent  incidents  for  the  pen  of  the  biogra- 
pher. The  sketches  already  given  afford  a  respectable  list  of 
public  men  for  a  humble  country  town  like  ours. 


113 


A  LIST  of  the    Graduates  at  Brown  University  from 

THIS     TOWN. 

Graduated. 

1776.  Preston  Mann,  A.  M.  son  of  Doct.  Bezeliel  Mann,  Phy- 
sician— settled  in  Newport,  R.  I. 

1783.  Othniel  Tyler,  A.  M.  son  of  John  Tyler,  Lawyer,  Sud- 
bury, Mass. 

1787.  John  Milton  Mann,  son  of  Dr.  Bezeliel  Mann,  Phy- 
sician, settled  in  Hudson,  N.  Y.  and  was  drowned  in 
crossing  the  river  of  that  name. 

1787.  Jonathan  Maxcy,  S.  T.  D.  son  of  Levi  Maxcy,  born 
Sept.  2d,  1768,  President  of  Providence  College,  Un- 
ion, Schenectady  N.  Y.  and  Columbia  College,  S.  C. 
died  at  the  latter  place  June  4th,  1S20,  set.  52. 

1788.  Jesse  Blackington,  son  of  Peter  Blackington,  resides  in 
Ashtabula,  county  of  Ashtabula,  Ohio. 

1788.  William  May,  son  of  Elisha  May,  born  Jan.  26th  1764, 
student  of  law,  died  July  12tk  1790,  in  the  27th  year  of 
his  age. 

1789.  Paul  Draper,  A.  M.  son  of  Stephen  Draper,  born  Sept. 

19th  1767,  entered  on  board  an  American  man  of  war, 
and  was  never  after  heard  of. 

1790.  Aaron  Draper,  son  of  Josiah  Draper,  born  Nov.  29th 
1764,  never  studied  a  learned  profession — settled  in 
Providence  R.  I.  where  he  died. 

1802.  Gardner  Daggett,  A.  M.  son  of  Elijah  Daggett,  born 
Dec.  20th,  1782,  lawyer,  Providence,  R.  I.  where  he 
died. 

1802.  Milton  Maxcy,  son  of  Levi  Maxcy,  born  Jan.  1st  1782, 
lawyer  in  Beaufort,  S.  Carolina,  where  he  died  of  the 
yellow,  fever  in  181S. 

1803.  Jason  Sprague,  A.  M.  son  of  John  Sprague,  was,  for 
some  time,  Preceptor  of  the  High  School  in  Newport, 
R.  I.     He  died  in  the  United  States  army. 

1804.  Virgil  Maxcy,  son  of  Levi  Maxcy,  lawyer  in  Baltimore 
Maryland,  now  Solicitor  of  the  Treasury  of  the  United 
States,  Washington  City. 

1807*  Lorenzo  Bishop,  son  of  Zephaniah  Bishop,  born  Aug. 
20th  1785,  student  of  law,  died  in  Attleborough,  May 
26th  1809,  set.  23. 


114 

1809.  Jacob  Ide,  A.  M.  Rev.  son  of  Jacob  Ide,  minister  in 
Medway,  Mass. 

1809.  William  Tyler,  Rev.  A.M.  son  of  Ebenezer  Tyler, 
minister  at  Weymouth,  and  now  at  South  Hadley,  Mass. 

1811.  Benjamin  Cozzens,  A.  M.  son  of  Benjamin  Cozzens, 
formerly  lawyer  at  Pawtucket — now  resides  at  Provi- 
dence, R.  I. 

1811.  Hartford  Sweet,  A.  M.  son  of  Gideon  Sweet,  born  Oct. 
30th,  1790,  had  not  finished  studying  his  profession — 
died  at  the  South  in  18 . 

1817.  Everett  Bolkcom,  son  of  Jacob  Bolkcom,  born  Sept. 
1796,  lawyer,  Attleborough,  died  Dec.  19th,  1823, 
aet.  27. 

1821.  James  O.  Barney,  Rev.  son  of Barney,  of  Provi- 
dence, R.  I.  minister  at  Seekonk  Centre,  Mass. 

1821.  Moses  Thacher,  Rev.  A.  M.  son  of Thacher,  min- 
ister in  North  Wrentham,  Mass. 

1822.  Preston  Cummings,  Rev.  son  of  David  Cummings,  min- 
ister in  Dighton,  Mass. 

1822.  Henry  H.  F.  Sweet  Rev.  son  of  Henry  Sweet,  born 
Nov.  1st,  1796,  minister  in  Palmer,  Mass.  died  Feb. 
20th  1827,  get.  30. 

1822.  John  Wilder,  Rev.  A.  M.  son  of  John  Wilder,  minister 
in   Charlton,  now  in  Concord,  Mass. 

1823.  Benoni  Allen,  Rev.  son  of Allen,  preacher  in 

Ohio. 

1824.  Ira  Barrows,  M.  D.   son   of Barrows,   physician, 

Pawtucket,  Mass. 

1825.  Hermon  Bourne,  M.  D.  son  of  Andrew  Bourne,  physi- 

cian, Boston,  Mass. 
1825.  William  S.  Stanley,  M.  D.  son  of  Thomas  Stanley,  phy- 
sician in  Mamaroaeck,  N.  Y. 

1825.  Samuel  T.  Wilder,  son  of  John  Wilder,  lawyer,  Roch- 

ester, N.  Y. 

1826.  Jason  B.  Blackington,  A.  M.  son  of  William  Blacking- 
ton,  lawyer,  in  Holden,  Mass.  now  in  Ohio. 

1826.  John  Daggett,  A.  M.  son  of  Ebenezer  Daggett,  lawyer, 

Attleborough. 
1831.  Salmon  C.  Perry,  son  of  Josiah  Perry. 


U5 

There  have  been  graduates  from  this  town  at  several  of  the 
other  New  England  Colleges.  A  full  list  of  their  names  has 
not  been  obtained.     Among  them  was, 

John  Barrows  who  graduated  i33£"  at  Harvard  College, 
was  son  of  John  Barrows.  He  married  his  wife  in  Cambridge, 
and  settled,  as  a  schoolmaster,  in  Dighton,  Mass.  where  he 
died. 

At  Yale  College,  in  1748,  Naphtali  Daggett,  of  whom  a 
sketch  has  been  already  given.  In  1762,  Philip  Daggett, 
brother  of  the  last  named,  was  born  11th  September,  1739 ;  he 
settled  and  died  in  New  Haven.  Henry  Daggett,  who  grad- 
uated at  Yale  College,  in  1771,  son  of  Eider  Elihu  Daggett 
(mentioned  in  page  68)  was  born  9th  April,  1741 — settled  at 
New  Haven,  where  he  was  at  first  a  merchant,  subsequently, 
Police  magistrate,  Alderman  of  the  city,  &c.  He  died  11th 
Aug.  1830.  In  1783  graduated  the  Hon.  David  Daggett, 
L.  L.  D.  the  present  distinguished  and  learned  Chief  Justice  of 
the  Supreme  Court  of  Connecticut.  He  was  formerly  a  Sena- 
tor of  the  United  States,  and  has  been  for  several  years  Pro- 
fessor of  Law  in  Yale  College,  &c.  In  1761  graduated  Rev. 
Pelatiah  Tingley,  A.  M.  son  of  Timothy  Tingley. 

He  was  a  Baptist  preacher,  and  was  settled  in  Sanford, 
Maine.  About  1780,  he  became  a  seceder  from  the  prevailing 
sect  of  Baptists,  and  was  the  first  minister  who  united  with  El- 
der Benjamin  Randall,  the  founder  of  the  new  sect,  usually 
denominated  Arminian  or  Free-Will  Baptists,  who  rejected  the 
leading  doctines  of  Calvinism.* 


NAMES    OF  SEVERAL  FORMER  PHYSICIANS     IN    AtTLEBOROUGH. 

Doct.  Joseph  Daggett  (of  Rehoboth) — Doct. Hewes,— 

Dr.  Abijah  Everett— Dr.  Bezeliei  Mann — Dr.  Richard  Bowen, 
of  Rehoboth) — Dr.  Joseph  Bacon — Dr.  Comfort  Fuller    (son 
of  Noah  Fuller)  —Dr.  Comfort  Capron,  (surgeon  in  the  Revolu- 
tionary war) — Dr.  Thomas  Stanley. 


/*#* 


*  See  Benedicts  His.  Bap.  vol.  II.  410,  where  he  is  erroneously  said  to  bo 
st  graduate  of  R.  Island  College. 


110 


MISCELLANEOUS—TOPOGRAPHY,   STATISTICS,   fee. 

This  town  was  incorporated  in  1694.  It  derived  its  name, 
without  doubt,  from  the  town  of  Attleborough  in  Norfolk  coun- 
ty, England,  whence  probably  some  of  our  early  inhabitants 
emigrated  to  America,  and  settled,  first  at  Hingham,  or  Wey- 
mouth, thence  removed  to  Rehoboth,  and  afterwards  became 
purchasers  and  settlers  of  this  town;  and,  in  remembrance  of 
their  native  place,  selected  this  name.  This  origin  of  the  name 
is  confirmed  by  the  circumstance,  that,  in  the  English  town, 
there  is  a  river  called  Bungay,  of  about  the  same  size  as  the 
one  of  the  same  name  in  this  town. 

At  the  time  of  the  incorporation  it  contained  upwards  of  30 
families,  which,  if  we  assumed  only  five  as  the  number  in  each 
family  (which  is  probably  too  low  for  that  period)  would  make 
150  inhabitants.  In  1790  the  town  contained  2166  inhabi- 
tants ;  in  1800,2480;  in  1810,2716;  in  1820,3055;  and  at 
the  last  census  in  1830,  3215,  exclusive  of  12  families,  contain- 
ing about  50  persons,  which,  since  1820,  have  been  set  off  to 
Wrentham  by  the  establishment  of  a  new  boundary  between 
the  towns,  or  rather,  by  restoring  it  to  the  original  line,  that 
of  the  old  colony. 

A  Table  of  the  Population  of  this  town  in   1830,  with  the  dif- 
ferent ages,  Sfc. 

20  to  SO'SO  to  40  I 


1  under  5 
198 
209 

150  to  60 
Males  82 

Females]    1 15 


5  to  10 
162 

182 

60  to  70 
70 

75 


10  to  15115  to  20 
163  I    170 
186  I   204 j 

70  to  80180  to  90 

31  8 

32  15 


233 
356 


189 
231 


40  to  50 

142 

151 


Colored  Males       9 
"         Females  2 


Whole  number  of  females  1758 ;    males   1457.     Excess  of 
females  over  males  301. 

Number  of  inhabitants  in  Bristol  County  49,592.  In  Massa- 
chusetts 610,408.  White  males  294,6S5 ;  do.  females  308,674. 
Colored  males  3,360  ;  do.  females  3,685.  Total  males  298,- 
045;  do.  females  312,359.     Excess  of  females  14,314. 

In  the  United  States,  Males  white  and  colored,  6,521,409; 
Females  white  and  colored,  6,333,481.  Excess  of  males  1S7,- 
928.  Total  12,854,890.  Add  11,130  seamen,  &c.  making  the 
whole  population  of  the  United  States,  12,866,020. 


117 

The  whole  area  of  the  town,  according  to  the  survey  order- 
ed by  the  legislature,  is  29,000  acres — by  valuation  26,000. 

Number  acres  of  woodland  2,158;  fresh  meadow  1,767; 
tillage  lands,  including  orchards,  1,205;  pasture  lands,  4,703; 
unimproved  and  unimprovable*  land,  12,740;  covered  with 
water  360  acres. 

Number  Dwelling  Houses  409;  Barns  345;  1  Tan-house; 
28  Shops  ;  12  Stores  ;  3  Grist  Mills ;  7  Saw  Mills  ;  8  Cotton 
Factories,  containing  about  13,000  spindles,  and  350  Power 
Looms. 

Amount  of  stock  in  trade,  $22,000;  money  at  interest,  $16,- 
400 ;  stock  in  Bank,  6,700.  Of  the  latter  there  is  now  much 
more. 

Whole  length  of  roads  in  town  is  100  miles.  Number  of 
Polls  591  ;  Voters,  on  an  average,  550.  In  1790,  according 
to  Dr.  Dwight,  number  of  dwelling  houses  was  314.  There 
are  23  School  Districts,  numbering  on  an  average  about  45 
scholars  each. 

Rivers.  They  are  worthy  of  notice  not  so  much  for  their 
size,  as  for  the  valuable  water  privileges  which  they  afford, 
and  which  are  now  occupied  for  manufacturing  purposes. — 
There  are  several  streams  of  water  in  this  town,  the  principal 
of  which  is  the  Ten  Mile  River.  It  rises  in  the  southerly  part 
of  Wrentham,  on  the  farm  of  Mr.  John  Fuller,  and  running  in 
a  southerly  course  through  this  town  and  through  Seekonk, 
empties  into  Seekonk  Cove,  an  arm  of  the  Narragansett.  Its 
length  in  this  town  is  Qt  miles  ;  its  whole  length  is  about  25 
miles.  Its  average  width  is  two  rods  and  a  half.  This  stream 
is  exceedingly  important  to  the  interests  of  the  town,  for  on 
this  are  our  principal  manufacturing  establishments. 

There  is  another  stream  of  considerable  size,  called  the  Sev- 
en Mile  River,  which  crosses  the  road  near  Newell's  Tavern, 
and  bearing  a  southerly  direction  unites  with  the  Ten  Mile 
River,  a  little  above  Kent's  Factory,  near  the  line  of  Pawtuck- 
et.     Its  length  is  about  ten  miles. 


*This  is  a  large  estimate— doubtless  more  than  truth  will  warrant.  There 
is  strictly  but  little  land  in  this  town  which  is  absolutely  unimprovable  for 
purposes  of  agriculture— for  tillage  or  grazing.  There  is,  however,  a  large 
quantity  which  is  not  actually  under  constant  cultivation  ;  but  there  is  only 
a  small  proportion  of  this  which  is  not  occasionally  cultivated 

16 


/J 


118 

Another  small  stream,  called  Abbott's  Run,*  rises  in  the 
northeasterly  part  of  Cumberland,  and  crossing  the  line,  sev- 
eral times,  between  that  town  and  this,  falls  into  the  Black- 
stone  River  just  below  the  Valley  Falls. 

The  third  or  fourth  in  size  is  Bungay  (or  sometimes  Bungee) 
River,  which  has  its  source  in  the  northerly  part  of  the  town 
near  Mansfield  line,  a  little  below  the  Witch  Pond,  and  after 
a  journey  of  about  five  miles, .over  an  unusually  level  bed,  falls 
into  the  Ten  Mile  River  nearly  in  the  centre  of  the  town,  be- 
tween the  Farmer's  and  Mechanick's  Factories.  Originating 
in  a  number  of  Springs  it  is  an  unfailing  stream  at  all  seasons 
of  the  year.  A  channel  has  been  cut  this  year  (1833)  from 
the  Witch  Pond  into  the  head  of  this  stream.  This  Pond  (as 
it  is  called)  is  an  extensive  quagmire,  including  about  15  acres  ; 
only  a  small  part  of  which  is  covered  with  water.  It  is  rather 
singular  in  its  appearance  ;  and  may  be  justly  considered  a  cu- 
riosity. A  hard  bottom  has  never  been  discovered  in  any  part 
of  it.  In  some  places  it  will  bear  the  weight  of  a  man,  but  if 
he  stands  for  a  time,  he  will  gradually  sink  till  he  is  unable  to 
extricate  himself. 

The  topography  of  the  town  contains  nothing  peculiar  ;  and 
it  is  therefore  needless  to  enlarge  upon  it,  as  is  often  done  in 
the  sketches  of  our  towns.  Suffice  it  to  say  that,  in  this  res- 
pect, it  is  similar  to  most  towns  in  this  vicinity— that  its  sur- 
face presents  the  usual  diversity  of  hills  and  vales — that  its  soil 
embraces  much  land  that  is  poor,  and  considerable  that  is  good; 
and  that  its  natural  and  agricultural  products  are  the  same  as 
those  of  neighboring  towns. 

There  are  two  societies  for  the  purpose  of  social  improve- 
ment ; — 'The  Society  for  the  Encouragement  of  Agriculture, 
Arts,  and  Social  Intercourse,'  incorporated  in  1816.  It  has  a 
library  of  about  300  volumes.  It  holds  its  anniversary  on  the 
22d  Feb.  in  memory  of  the  Father  of  his  Country.  The  sec- 
ond is  the  'Social  Library  and  Farmers'  Historical  and  Geo- 
graphical Society,'  established  in  1805.  The  library  contains 
about  200  volumes* 


*  Said  to  have  derived  its  name  from  one  Abbott,  a'boy,  who  was  drown- 
ed there  in  the  early  settlement  of  the  place.  It  is  supposed  by  some  that 
the  Indian  name  of  this  stream  was  Watoepoomeag  ;  but  this  is  doubtful 
conjecture. 


119 

A  Lyceum  was  established  in  1830. 

The  town  has  4  organized  companies  of  Militia,  1  company 
of  Cavalry,  (mostly  from  this  town)  and  one  Independent  foot 
company  by  the  name  of  the  'Washington  Rifle  Corps,' which 
was  chartered  June  9th,  1815.  Its  uniform  is  a  green  frock, 
with  pantaloons  of  the  same  color,  or  else  white,  and  mili- 
tary caps  with  black  plumes.  It  has  enjoyed  the  reputation  of 
being  one  of  the  finest  and  best  disciplined  companies  in  the 
Brigade. 

In  October,  1821,  a  splendid  and  appropriate  standard,  in- 
scribed with  the  motto,  •  Protect  what  your  father's  obtained? 
was  presented  to  this  company  by  the  Ladies  of  Attleborough, 
accompanied  with  a  patriotic  address  — which  was  received 
with  that  gallantry  which  becomes  the  soldier.  In  their  ad- 
dress, the  fair  donors  expressed  the  strongest  assurance  that 
if  the  dreadful  din  of  war  should  ever  again  disturb  our  belov- 
ed country,  this  band  would  be  found  in  the  advanced  guard 
of  its  brave  defenders,  asserting  its  rights  and  maintaining  its 
honor ;  charging  them  to  imitate  the  virtues  of  the  illustrious 
patriot  whose  name  they  bore  ; — 'to  protect  what  our  Fathers 
won,'  that  they  might  continue  to  enjoy  the  rich  blessings 
which  we  inherit  from  them. 

In  reply,  they  declare  that  the  name  of  Washington  i?  alone 
sufficient  to  inspire  the  hearts  of  American  soldiers  with  the 
liveliest  feelings  of  patriotism—but  when  that  name  is  heard 
from  the  lips  of  Columbia's  Fair,  and  the  Banner  of  our  coun- 
try is  received  from  their  hands,  a  noble  ambition  fires  their 
bosoms  with  a  firm  determination  to  shield,  from  every  attack, 
the  freedom  bequeathed  to  us  from  our  fathers  ;  and  in  conclu- 
sion assure  them,  that  this  standard  shall  never  be  wrested 
from  their  hands  by  a  foreign  enemy,  or  rent  by  an  internal 
foe.  The  whole  ceremony  on  both  sides  was  impressive  and 
interesting,  and  was  conducted  on  both  sides  with  propriety 
and  dignity. 

The  Names  of  its  several  commanders  are  1st,  Capt.  Elihu 
Daggett,  Jr.— 2,  Capt.  Chester  Bugbee— 3,  Capt.  William  Ev- 
erett—4,  Capt.  Willard  Robinson — 5,  Capt.  Virgil  Blackington 
— 6,  Capt.  David  E.  Holman. 

In  the  winter  and  spring  of  1816,  this  town  was  visited  by 
the  most  fatal  sickness  which  was  ever  known  in  these  parts. 


,     120 

It  extended  to  several  other  towns  adjoining ;  but  did  not  prove 
so  fatal  as  here.  It  swept  off  in  the  short  space  of  90  days, 
about  100  inhabitants,  a  large  proportion  of  them  heads  of 
families,  and  many  of  them  the  most  useful  and  respectable 
citizens  of  the  town.  It  was  commonly  called  the  cold  plague. 
It  generally  terminated  in  a  few  days.  Very  few  who  were 
attacked  with  it,  recovered.  No  disease  of  the  same  kind  has 
ever  been  known  here  either  before  or  since  that  period. 

No  Bills  of  Mortality  have  been  regularly  kept ;  and  the  av- 
erage age  of  the  inhabitants  in  any  given  period  cannot  be  as- 
certained. There  have  been  several  instances  of  very  long 
lives.  Dea.  Elkanah  Wilmarth  died  at  the  age  of  99  years 
and  7  months.  Mary  Freeman,  relict  of  Jon.  Freeman,  died 
March  4th,  1762,  aged  about  100  years. 

Wid.  Sarah  Claflin,  relict  of  Antipas  Claflin,  died  in  Sept. 
1777,  supposed  to  be  100  years  and  6  months  old.  Capt.  Sam- 
uel Robinson  lived  to  approach  very  near  the  age  of  100. — 
Zephaniah  Robinson  also  reached  a  very  advanced  age. 

John  Shepard  (who  was  a  native  of  Foxborough  where  he 
lived  till  a  few  years  before  his  death)  died  in  this  town  in 
1809,  at  the  extreme  age  of  105  years.  He  retained  all  his 
faculties  of  mind  and  body,  except  his  eye  sight,  to  the  last, 
and  was  just  able  to  walk,  with  a  little  assistance,  till  a  few 
days  before  his  death.*  He  lived  over  a  hundred  years  on  his 
native  spot.  He  was  a  man  of  pious  character  ; — cheerful  in 
disposition — jocose,  witty,  and  of  a  quick  understanding.  He 
was  deprived  of  his  eye  sight  on  a  sudden,  during  the  night — 
and  was  not  himself  aware  of  it,  until  the  next  morning,  when 
he  sought  in  vain  for  the  light  of  day.  He  could  distinctly  rec- 
ollect events  which  had  occurred  a  century  before. 

He  had  one  son  and  several  daughters.  Two  of  his  daugh- 
ters lived  to  upwards  of  80  years;  and  another,  Mrs  Mary 
Mann,  of  Wrentham,  who  died  in  1828,  lived  to  the  age  of  97 
years.  She  retained  all  her  faculties,  and  usual  cheerfulness 
and  vivacity  till  the  last  fifteen  years  of  her  life.  She  abstain- 
ed almost  wholly  from  animal  food,  and  never  was  in  the  hab- 
it of  drinking  tea  or  coffee,   and  wondered   how   people  could 


*  It  is  of  him  that  the  well  known  anecdote  is  told,  that  he  lived  in  two 
Counties  and  four  different  towns,  and  yet  never  moved  [during  that  time] 
from  the  spot  where  he  was  born. 


121 

love  either.  Her  most  common  food  was  milk.  She  adhered 
to  the  same  fashion  in  dress  for  80  years. 

A  more  particular  description  of  the  different  Manufactur- 
ing establishments  in  this  town  is  here  subjoined. 

The  first  factory  in  course  was  the  Beaver  Dam  Factory, 
(recently  owned  by  Bugbee  &  Haven)  which  was  burnt  in  the 
summer  of  1832. 

The  Falls  Factory  (so  called)  was  built  by  the  *  Falls  Manu- 
facturing Company',  which  was  incorporated  in  1813.  It  was 
commenced  in  the  fall  of  1809— in  February,  1811,  it  was 
burnt  and  immediately  rebuilt.  The  privilege  has  about  30 
feet  fall,  and  was  the  first  occupied  as  a  Mill  Seat  in  this  town. 
The  establishment  employs  40  hands— 25  of  them  females.— 
It  consumes  about  150  bales  New  Orleans  Cotton  per  year — 
manufactures  250,000  yards  cloth,  light  calico  printing,  No. 
20.  The  building  is  wood,  70  feet  by  34,-3  stories  high.  A 
New  Reservoir  was  raised  here  in  1831,  which  covers  125 
acres.  Connected  with  this  establishment  are  1  Machine  Shop, 
1  Saw  Mill,  1  Blacksmith's  Shop,  and  a  Grist  Mill.  In  addi- 
tion to  this  factory,  a  new,  handsome  and  durable  building, 
made  of  stone  procured  in  the  neighborhood,  was  erected  in 
1831,  68  feet  by  38 — 4  stories  high,  with  a  projection  of  15  feet, 
and  is  filled  with  new  and  improved  machinery.  It  is  run  by 
Jon.  6f  Geo.  Bliss,  and  employs  about  40  hands. 

'The  Farmers'  Factory,'  was  established  in  1813,  by  the 
Farmers'  Manufacturing  Company.  It  is  now  owned  by  Jon- 
athan and  George  Bliss.  Number  of  hands  employed  is  23, 
of  which  17  are  females.  No.  bales  cotton  (New  Orleans) 
consumed  per  year,  about  75 — yards  cloth  (calico  printing, 
No.  30)  manufactured  per  year,  135,000.  It  has  about  13  feet 
fall. 

Mechanics'  Factory,  commenced  in  1811.  The  first  firm 
was  Ingraham,  Richardson  $f  Co.  The  second  was  Whita- 
ker,  Richardson  &  Co. — The  next  took  the  name  of  The  Me- 
chanics' Manufacturing  Co.  The  establishment  is  now  owned 
by  Samuel  and  Jesse  Carpenter.  It  has  about  40  looms,  1036 
spindles,  Patterson  Machinery, — manufactures  per  annum 
about  291,000  yards,  calico  prints,  No.  27, — employs  38  hands 
— 27  females.  The  building  is  3  stories  high — S4  feet  by  32. 
Connected  with  it  is  1  Trip  hammer  shop — and  Grist  Mill — 


182 

This  village  now  constitutes  a  school  district,  No.  22.  Twen- 
ty-three years  ago  it  numbered  1  child.  It  has  now  35  schol- 
ars in  families  belonging  to  the  establishment.  A  school  is 
kept  from  6  to  8  months  per  annum, — at  which  24  scholars  usu- 
ally attend. 

Dodge's  Factory,  is  the  next  in  course.  It  was  established 
in  1809,  by  Eben.  Tyler,  Esq.  of  Pawtucket,  Nehemiah  Dodge, 
Peter  Grinnell  &  Son,  and  Abner  Daggett  of  Providence,  Elias 
Ingraham  and  Edward  Richardson,  of  Attleborough,  under 
the  firm  of  The  Attleborough  Manufacturing  Company,  Eben* 
Tyler,  Agent.  The  building  at  first  was  88  feet  by  31—3  sto- 
ries high  including  the  basement  story.  In  1820  it  contained 
1320  spindles,  when  Josiah  Whitaker  and  John  C.  Dodge,  of 
Providence,  purchased  one  half  of  the  factory.  In  the  spring 
of  1821,  the  name  was  changed  to  that  of  the  Tyler  Manufac- 
turing Company,  under  the  agency  of  J.  C.  Dodge.  In  1822, 
Nehemiah  and  John  C.  Dodge,  purchased  the  remainder,  and 
continued  the  business  under  the  style  of  N.  and  J.  C.  Dodge. 
In  1829,  they  built  an  addition  to  the  factory,  of  96  feet,  mak- 
it  184  feet  by  31.  It  now  contains  about  4000  spindles  and 
92  power  looms,  and  gives  employment  to  130  hands.  It  is 
the  largest  establishment  of  the  kind  in  town.  The  village, 
which  is  known  by  the  name  of  Dodgeville,  has  been  recently 
very  much  improved  under  the  superintendance  of  the  present 
agent.  It  contains  a  population  of  260  persons  (all  connected 
with  the  manufacturing  establishment)  1  Machine  Shop,  1 
Picker  House,  1  store,  1  Blacksmith  shop,  4  Barns,  15  Dwel- 
ling Houses,  many  of  them  new.  It  forms  district  No.  23,  and 
has  a  new,  commodious  and  uncommonly  well-finished  school 
house,  where  a  school  is  kept  the  greater  part  of  the  year. 

The  Atherton  Factory,  now  owned  by  Thomas  Harkness  and 
Thomas  J.  Stead,  of  Providence,  was  established  about  1812. 
The  spot  was  anciently  known  as  Chaffee's  Mills,  where  a  saw 
mill  and  Grist-mill  were  early  built.  An  addition  was  made  to 
the  factory  in  1828— making  the  building  now  98  feet  by  32. — 
It  employs  about  60  hands — 40  females— consumes  about  250 
bales  New  Orleans  cotton  per  year — manufactures  cloth  No. 
26-28.  It  has  1600  spindles  and  42  looms.  In  connection 
with  it  is  a  Grist  mill.  The  establishment  has  been  owned  and 
improved  by  several  different   companies,    It  was  incorpora- 


123 

i 

ted  in  1816,  by  the  name  of 'The  Atherton  Manufacturing  Com- 
pany.' 

All  the  above  mentioned  manufactories  are  on  the  Ten  Mile 
River. 

The  City  Factory,  owned  by  Daniel  Read  &  Co.  situated 
on  the  Seven  Mile  River,  (which  is  the  only  cotton  factory  on 
that  stream)  was  built  in  1813.  It  was  burnt  in  1826,  and  re- 
built immediately  after.  The  building  is  now  40  feet  by  34 — 
3  stories  high.  Number  of  hands  employed  is  17,  of  whom  12 
are  females.  It  runs  700  spindles  and  20  looms — consumes 
50  bales  New  Orleans  cotton,  and  produces  about  1800  yards 
per  week.  In  connection  with  it  is  1  Machine  shop,  which 
employs  12  workmen — and  1  Grocery  Store. 

Lanesville  Factory,  situated  on  Abbott's  Run,  was  built  in 
1826,  70  feet  by  36— 60  feet  high  (including  4  stories  and  the 
garret)  generally  employs  about  70  hands,  of  whom  30  are  fe- 
males— consumes  4  bales  New  Orleans  cotton  per  week,  and 
manufactures  400,000  yards  calico  printing  cloths,  No.  25. — 
It  has  about  12  feet  fall  ;  and  runs  2000  spindles  and  50  looms. 
Connected  with  it  are  a  Grist  mill,  Saw  mill,  Machine  shop 
for  repairs,  and  a  variety  store.  It  is  owned  by  Milton  Bar- 
rows and  others.  This  establishment  has  created  around  it  a 
neat  and  handsome  little  village—like  many  of  the  New  Eng- 
land factory  villages.* 

Button  Factory — Robinson,  Jones,  fy  Co.  This  was  the 
first  button  manufactory  in  the  United  States.  The  original 
Company  (of  which  the  present  are  the  successors)  began  the 
business  on  a  small  scale,  and  it  has  been  gradually  increased 
until  it  has  reached  its  present  extent.  They  met  with  many 
embarrassments  and  discouragements  in  the  early  stages  of  the 
business. 

The  manufacture  of  Metal  Buttons  was  commenced  in  1812 
by  Col.  Obed  and  Otis  Robinson  ;  and  that  of  Glass  Buttons  in 


*  This  little  stream,  which  rises  and  terminates  in  Cumberland,  its  whole 
course  not  being  more  than  8  or  9  miles,  is  yet  able  to  furnish  water  power 
for  several  factories  and  other  mills.  The  first  factory  is  Walcott's,  in  Cum- 
berland—the next  is  Lanesville,  in  Attleborough— the  third  is  French's 
Factory,  in  Robin  Hollow  (so  called)— 4th,  Abbott's  Run  Mills,  which  in- 
clude two  factories.  On  this  stream  above  Lanesville,  are  also  several 
Grist  mills,  Saw  mills,  Machine  6hops,  &c.  On  a  branch  of  this  stream, 
near  its  junction  with  the  Blackstone,  is  Carpenter's  Factory. 


124 

1823,  by  Richard  Robinson  <$•  Co.  consisting  of  Richard  Rob- 
inson, Virgil  Blackington,  and  Willard  Robinson— which  firm 
was  continued  till  about  1817,  from  which  time  it  was  carried 
on  by  Richard  Robinson  alone  till  1826,  when  a  new  compa- 
ny was  formed,  under  the  same  style  of  Richard  Robinson  & 
Co.  for  the  term  of  5  years,  which  expired  in  May  1831.  At 
this  time  the  present  firm  was  established,  consisting  of  Rich- 
ard and  Willard  Robinson,  William  H.  Jones  and  H.  M.  Dra- 
per, under  the  name  of  Robinsons,  Jones,  4*  Co.  They  com- 
menced business  in  a  small  shop  about  35  feet  by  22,  an  acldi- 
dition  to  which  was  made  in  the  summer  of  1826— in  which  the 
machinery  was  carried  by  horse  power.  It  was  in  the  latter 
part  of  the  year  1826  that  they  began  to  work  on  the  Gilt 
Button. 

In  1827  the  Company  erected  a  Brick  factory  2  stories  high, 
60  feet  by  25 — and  in  1828  the  business  required  an  addition 
of  25  feet  long.  The  machinery  is  carried  by  water  power  (on 
the  Ten  Mile  River) :  the  Rolling  Mill  connected  with  the  es- 
tablishment was  built  in  1822,  60  feet  by  25.  In  1 832  the  com- 
pany built  another  shop,  of  wood,  1  story  high,  60  feet  by  25. 

The  number  of  hands  employed  is  75,  of  whom  30  are  fe- 
males. They  manufacture  about  100  gross  per  day.  At  dif- 
ferent times  they  have  produced  various  kinds — from  1826  to 
1832,  they  manufactured  the  common  gilt,  which  competed  in 
a  good  degree  with  the  English.  Since  1832  they  have  manu- 
factured all  the  varieties  which  the  market  demands,  the  com- 
mon Button,  the  Navy,  the  Military,  Fancy,  and  Sporting  But- 
tons— which  have  been  acknowledged  superior  to  any  other  in 
the  market,  in  the  beauty,  finish,  and  durability  of  the  work. 
This  company  has  brought  the  manufacture  of  this  article  to 
such  perfection,  by  various  improvements  and  the  skill  of  the 
workmen,  as  to  compete  fully  with  all  others  in  the  market 
whether  domestic  or  foreign — indeed,  if  proper  encouragement 
should  be  given  by  adequate  protection  to  this  branch  of  in- 
dustry, it  would  soon  be  sufficient  to  supply  all  our  home  de- 
mands and  exclude  the  foreign  entirely  from  our  markets. — 
This  company  have  received  all  the  contested  premiums  which 
have  been  offered  by  the  Institutes  of  New  York,  Philadelphia, 
and  Boston — sometimes  jointly  with  others.  They  have  in 
their  possession  3  Medals  (silver)  and  3  Diplomas. 


125 

Several  important  improvements!  in  the  mode  of  manufacture 
have  been  made  by  one  of  the  firm,  Mr.  Willard  Robinson,  for 
some  of  which  patents  have  been  secured. 

A  common  gilt  button  which  appears  when  finished  so  sim- 
ple, undergoes  in  the  course  of  being  manufactured  over  30 
different  processes—some  of  which  require  great  skill  and  ex- 
perience. Each  button  is  separately  handled  twenty  one  times. 
Some  of  the  females  mentioned  as  connected  with  this  es- 
tablishment are  employed  principally  in  drying,  sorting,  pa- 
pering, and  packing— and  others  in  edging,  cramping,  placing 
the  eye  and  preparing  it  for  soldering.  It  furnishes  for  females 
a  neat,  agreeable  and  profitable  occupation. 

The  capital  employed  by  this  establishment  is  about  $50,500. 
They  use  in  gilding  about  $15,000  worth  of  pure  gold,  gener- 
ally obtained  in  its  natural  state  ;  and  consume  40  tons  of  Le- 
high Coal,  annually. 

The  number  of  tenements  occupied  by  those  employed  in  the 
factory  is  13.  Several  new  dwelling  houses  have  been  lately 
erected  for  their  use. 

Agencies  for  the  sale  of  this  article  have  been  established  in 
all  the  principal  cities  in  the  Union.  Some  of  the  articles  have 
been  exported  to  foreign  countries — to  S.  America,  Hayti,  and 
several  of  the  West  India  Islands.  The  button  now  manufac- 
tured is  equal  in  every  respect  to  the  English,  and  perhaps  su- 
perior in  durability. 

Another  manufactory  of  Buttons  was  established  in  Oct.  1882, 
by  a  different  firm,  under  the  name  of  Robinson,  Hall  &  Co. 
The  shop  is  situated  near  NewelPs  Tavern,  on  the  Seven  Mile 
River — it  is  30  feet  by  20.  An  additional  shop  is  *now  build- 
ing, 35  feet  by  25,  3  stories  high.  This  establishment  employs 
19  hands,  of  whom  10  are  females  ;  and  when  the  new  building 
is  completed,  it  is  estimated,  it  will  employ  from  25  to  30  hands 
in  all.  This  company  manufactures  the  Plain  Metal  Buttons 
—both  Coat  and  Vest  button  of  3  different  prices ;  and  produces 
about  75  gross  per  day. 

Manufactory  op  Jewelry — Draper,  Tift  fy  Co. — com- 
menced in  1821.  They  now  manufacture,  annually,  to  the 
amount  of  $15-20,000  worth.  They  employ  from  12  to  15 
hands— part  of  them  females.  The  building  occupied  for  this 
business  is  two  stories  high,  40  feet  by  22.  Sales  of  the  man- 
ufacture are  made  principally  at  New  York  and  Philadelphia. 
17 


126 

They  formerly  carried  on  to  a  large  amount  the  manufacture 
of  Patent  Brass  Door  Ketches  or  Fasteners.  The  establish- 
ment is  located  on  the  Turnpike  near  Hatch's  Hotel. 

Manufactory  of  Power  loom  shuttles— by  Col.  Willard  Black- 
ington,  at  East  Attleborough — commenced  in  the  fall  of  1827 — i 
emplops  12  journeymen.  About  25  doz.  shuttles  are  produced 
per  week  in  the  establishment,  at  the  rate  of  $6  per  doz.  He 
also  supplies  a  large  amount  of  shuttle  mountings  for  the  use 
of  other  shuttle  makers.  The  whole  amount  of  the  manufac- 
ture of  this  establishment  is  about  $10,000  per  annum.  The 
work  has  an  extensive  sale  throughout  the  U.  States— in  Ma- 
ryland, Georgia,  Virginia,  Delaware,  New  Jersey,  New  York, 
Ohio,  and  in  all  the  New  England  States.  Agents  for  the  sale 
of  this  article  are  established  at  Pawtucket,  George  Mumford  ; 
N.  Adams,  Ms.  S.  Burlingame  ;  Providence,  R.  I.  Peter  Grin- 
nell  &  Son  ;  Norwich,  Ct.  Smith,  Goddard  &  Coats  ;  N.  York, 
C.  N.  Mills  ;  Troy,  N.  Y.  J.  Merritt  &  Co.  :  Philadelphia,  TV. 
Almond  ;  Baltimore,  Wells  &  Chace,  &c.  &c. 

Hervey  M.  Richards  has  established  a  Jewelry  Shop  near 
the  Union  House  on  the  Turnpike, — manufactures  a  variety  of 
articles,  watch  keys,  finger  rings,  guard  chains,  breast  pins,  &c. 
— commenced  in  1831 — employs  12  hands — 3  females, — 
Amount  of  manufacture  about  $8,000  per  year.  The  building 
is  2  stories,  32  feet  by  16.  He  rents  another  shop  on  the  same 
road,  which  employs  5  workmen. 

Samuel  Phillip's  Jewelry  Shop,  near  the  city — employs 
about  6  hands — manufactures  the  usual  variety.  Alfred  Bar- 
rows has  also  established  a  workshop  of  the  same  kind. 

Richards  tip  Price  have  a  Jewelry  Shop — commenced  in 
1830— employs  6  hands— situated  between  the  Turnpike  and 
the  Falls  Factory. 

Dennis  Everett's  Jewelry  Shop — commenced  business  in 
1831— employs  now  4  hands. 

The  manufacture  of  Glass  Buttons  and  steps  was  commenc- 
ed 6  years  ago  by  Richard  Everett,  who  employs  in  this  work 
4  hands. 

Jesse  F.  Richards  fy  Edwin  Ellis  have  lately  commenced 
the  business  of  making  Brass  Butts  and  Castings,  and  the  oth- 
er kinds  of  brass  work. 

Virgil  Blackington  also  manufactures  Glass  Steps,  and  em- 
ploys two  hands. 


APPENDIX. 


[The  preceding  pages  having  been  sent  to  the  press  as  fast  as  they  were 
written,  many  subjects  were  omitted  in  their  proper  places,  which  would 
have  been  iucluded  in  the  body  of  the  work,  if  the  author  had  suspected,  at 
the  time,  that  it  would  have  been  extended  to  its  present  size.  Some  of 
them  are  here  added.] 

CAPT.  THOMAS  WILLETT. 

Some  notice  of  Capt.  Thomas  Willett  who  stands  at  the 
head  of  our  list  of  Proprietors,  and  whose  life  is  but  little 
known,  will  not  be  deemed  inappropriate.  His  history  does 
not  exclusively  belong  to  this  town,  but,  as  he  took  so  actvie 
and  important  a  part  in  the  original  purchase  and  settlement 
of  this  and  the  neighboring  towns,  a  brief  sketch  of  his  life 
seems  to  be  demanded  by  the  interest  which  our  citizens  must 
feel  in  his  character. 

Capt.  Willett  was  one  of  the  last  of  the  Leyden  company, 
and  came  here  about  1630.  He  was  a  very  young  man  when 
he  arrived  in  this  country.  He  was  a  merchant  by  profession, 
and  in  his  travels  had  become  acquainted  with  the  Pilgrims 
in  Leyden,  and  had  probably  spent  much  of  his  time  with  them 
in  Holland  previous  to  their  emigration  to  this  country.  He 
at  first  resided  in  Plymouth,  and  soon  became  a  useful  and  dis- 
tinguished man  in  the  colony. 

Soon  after  his  arrival  in  1630,  though,  as  already  observed, 
a  young  man,  he  was  sent  by  the  company  of  Plymouth,  who 
had  established  a  trading  house  at  Kennebeck,  to  superintend 
their  business  as  agent.  While  he  wai  residing  there,  Gov. 
Winthrop  relates  of  him  the  following  curious  anecdote  : 

'At  Kennebeck,  the  Indians  wanting  food,  and  there  being 
store  in  the  Plymouth  trading  house,  they  conspired  to  kill  the 


126 

English  there  for  their  provision  ;  and  some  Indians  coming 
into  the  house,  Mr.  Willett,  the  master  of  the  house,  being 
reading  the  Bible,  his  countenance  was  more  solemn  than  at 
other  times,  so  as  he  did  not  look  cheerfully  upon  them,  as  he 
was  wont  to  do  ;  whereupon  they  went  out  and  told  their  fel- 
lows, that  their  purpose  was  discovered.  They  asked  them 
how  it  could  be.  The  others  told  them  that  they  knew  it  by 
Mr.  Willett's  countenance,  and  that  he  had  discovered  it  by  a 
book  that  he  was  reading.  Whereupon  they  gave  over  their 
design.'— Win.  Jour.  I.  322. 

In  1647  he  became  the  successor  of  Miles  Standish  in  the 
command  of  the  famous  military  company,  at  Plymouth.* 

He  was,  in  1651,  elected  an  Assistant  of  the  Governor,  and 
was  annually  continued  in  that  office  till  1665,  when  other  du- 
ties obliged  him  to  decline,  and  James  Brown,  of  Swansea, 
was  chosen  his  successor.  At  this  time  he  was  selected  by  the 
Plymouth  Court,  agreeably  to  the  request  of  his  Majesty's 
Commissioners,  to  attend  them  at  New  York,  (which  had  just 
been  surrendered  by  the  Dutch)  for  the  purpose  of  assisting 
them  in  organizing  the  new  government. 

It  is  mentioned  by  Davis  in  a  note  to  his  edition  of  Morton's 
Memorial,  that  *  Col.  Nichols  (one  of  the  Commissioners)  in  a 
letter  to  Gov.  Prince,  written  from  New  York,  the  spring  after 
the  reduction  of  the  Dutch  settlements,  requests  that  Capt. 
Willett  may  have  such  a  dispensation  from  his  official  engage- 
ments in  Plymouth  Colony,  as  to  be  at  liberty  to  assist  in  mod- 
elling and  reducing  the  affairs  in  this  settlement,  into  good 
English.  He  remarks  that  Mr.  Willett  was  more  acquainted 
with  the  manners  and  customs  of  the  Dutch  than  any  gentle- 
man in  the  country,  and  that  his  conversation  was  very  accept- 
able to  them.' 

He  executed  his  duties  here  to  the  entire  satisfaction  of  all 

concerned  ;  his  services  were  so  highly  appreciated,   and  he 

■     i 

•  'March  7tb,  1647.  The  Military  Company  of  New  Plymouth,  having 
according  to  order  propoied  unto  the  Court  two  men  for  every  especial  of- 
ftse  of  their  band,  the  Court  do  allow  and  approve  of 

Capt.  Thomas  Willett,  for  Captain. 
Mr.  Thomas  Southworth.  for  Lieutenant. 
Mr.  William  Bradford,  for  Ensign.7 

Old.  Qol.  Rt; 


rendered  himself  so  popular  with  the  people,  that  after  the  or- 
ganization of  the  government,  he  was  chosen  the  first  English 
Mayor  of  the  city  of  New  York.  He  was  elected  the  second 
time  to  the  same  office.  '  But,'  (as  Mr.  Baylies  the  historian 
of  Plymouth  Colony  has  justly  remarked)  *  even  this  first  of 
city  distinctions  conferred  by  that  proud  metropolis,  did  not 
impart  more  real  honor  to  his  character  than  the  address  and 
good  feeling  manifested  by  him  in  effecting  the  peaceable  set- 
tlement of  the  humble  town  of  Swansea.' 

The  Dutch  had  so  much  confidence  in  his  integrity,  that  he 
was  chosen  by  them  the  umpire  to  determine  the  disputed  boun- 
dary between  New  York  and  New  Haven. 

He  was  also  for  a  number  of  years  one  of  the  commissioners 
or  delegates  of  the  United  Colonies. 

Soon  after  the  settlement  of  Rehoboth,  Capt.  Willett  re- 
moved to  Wannamoisett,  now  a  part  of  Swansea,  where  he  re- 
sided during  most  of  the  remainder  of  his  life.  A  grant  of  the 
greater  part  of  that  township  (Swansea)  was  made  to  him  and 
others.  With  him  was  associated  Mr.  Myles,  (the  first  Bap- 
tist minister  in  New  England)  and  they  two  are  justly  esteem- 
ed the  founders  of  Swansea.  The  manner  in  which  they  con- 
ducted the  settlement  of  that  plantation  was  just  and  honora- 
ble, and  reflects  much  credit  on  the  character  of  both. 

Capt.  Willett  always  cultivated  a  friendly  intercourse  with 
the  Indians,  and  gained  their  confidence  and  good  will.  Hence 
he  was  generally  employed  by  the  colony  in  the  purchase  of 
lands  from  the  native  chiefs.* 

The  following  order  relating  to  him  was  passed  by  the  Ply- 
mouth Court. 

March  1665-6.  In  reference  to  an  order  of  Court  bearing 
date  the  third  day  of  October  1665,  wherein  our  Honored  Gov- 
ernor Major  Winslow,  Capt.  Southworth,  and  Mr.  Constant 
Southworth  were  appointed  to  be  a  committee  in  reference  to 
a  certain  tract  of  land  purchased  by  Capt.  Willett  on  the  north 
side  of  Rehoboth,  which  said  order  empowereth  the  said  Com- 
mittee to  dispose  and  settle  a  proportion  of  the  said  lands  on 
the  said  Capt.  Willett  as  they  shall  think  meet ;  and  the  Court 

•  He  was  the  original  purchaser  of  the  Rehoboth  North  Purchase  (Attle- 
feorough  and  Cumberland) — Taunton  North  Purchase  (Norton,  Mansfield 
aid  Eesten)  and  many  other  tracts  ef  land  in  the  vicinity. 


150 

do  therefore  settle  and  confirm  unto  him  four  or  five  hundred 
acres  of  the  said  lands,  to  be  laid  out  for  him  on  the  Easterly 
side  or  end  of  the  said  lands,  to  him  and  his  heirs  forever.* 

Rehoboth  also  voted  him  a  grant  for  his  services  to  that  town. 
«21st  12th  mo.  1660.  In  town  meeting  it  was  voted  that  Mr. 
"Willett  should  have  liberty  to  take  up  five  hundred  or  six  hun- 
dred acres  of  land  northward  or  eastward  beyond  the  bounds 
of  our  town,  where  he  shall  think  it  most  convenient  to  him- 
self.— Rehoboth  Records* 

Capt.  Willett  married  Mary  Brown  (supposed  to  be  the 
daughter  of  Mr.  John  Brown  the  1st)  at  Plymouth,  6th  July, 
1636,  by  whom  he  had  several  children  ;  Thomas ;  Hester  b. 
6th  July,  1647;  Rebecca,  d-  2d  April  1652  ;  James,  b.  Nov. 
24,1649;  Andrew  ;  Samuel ;  Hezekiah,  who  died  26th  July, 
1651 ;  Hezekiah  (2d)  b.  16th  Nov.  1652,— &c. 

His  son  James  married  Eliz.  daughter  of  Lieut.  Peter  Hunt 
of  Rehoboth,  17th  April,  1673;  Hezekiah  2d,  married  Anna, 
daughter  of  Mr.  John  Brown  2d>  of  Rehoboth,  7th  Jan.  1675, 
and  was  killed  soon  after  by  the  Indians  in  Philip's  War. — 
John  Saffin  (who  had  resided  in  Situate  and  Swansea)  marri- 
ed a  daughter  of  Capt.  Willett,  and  settled  in  Bristol,  R.  I. 
and  Samuel  Hooker^  of  Farmington,  Ct.  married  another 
daughter.! 

Several  of  his  descendants  have  become  distinguished  in  the 
history  of  the  country.  His  grandson  Francis  was  a  promi- 
nent man  in  Rhode  Island  colony.     Another  descendant,!  his 

*  This  grant  was  laid  out  to  him  and  recorded  in  the  Rehoboth  North 
Purchase  Books.  It  lies  on  the  Seven  Mile  River,  and  has  always  borne 
the  name  of  Willett's  Farm.  In  1720  it  was  divided  into  t*vo  parts  be- 
tween Capt.  Samuel  Tyler  and  Joyce  Newell,  widow  of  Jacob  Newell. — 
This  farm  was  originally  laid  out  with  great  regularity— in  parallel  lines— 
and  its  subsequent  divisions  have  been  preserved  in  good  shape. 

$  Baylies'  Memoirs  of  Plymouth  Colony. 

1 1  find  the  following  on  the  Boston  Records  (copied  from  Dorchester) 
by  which  it  appears  that  there  was  a  Thomas  Willett  in  the  latter  |own — 
probably  the  same.  His  wife,  p  >rbaps,  resided  there  during  his  absence  in 
Kennebeck.—4  John,  son  of  Thomas  Willett  and  Mary  his  wife,  bom  8th 
5th  mo.  163—  ;  Jonathan  b.  27th  5th  mo.  16S8 ,  d.  15th  6th  mo.  ib ;  Mary 
b.  26th  6  mo.  1639 ;  Mehitible  b.  14th  1st  mo.  1641. 

«t  A  descendant  of  Samuel. 


131 

great  grand-son,  Col.  Marinus  Willett,  (lately  deceased)  serv- 
ed with  distinguished  honor  in  the  Revolutionary  war ;  and 
had  also  been  Mayor  of  New  York  city.  Memoirs  of  his  life 
have  been  recently  published  by  his  son  William  M.  Willett. 

After  a  lesidence  of  a  few  years  in  New  York,  he  returned 
to  his  seat  in  Swansea,  where,  after  a  life  of  distinguished  use- 
fulness, he  died  4th  of  August,*  1674,  at  the  age  of  63.  He 
was  buried  at  the  head  of  Bullock's  Cove  (in  what  is  now  See- 
konk)  where  a  rough  stone  is  erected  to  his  memory,  contain- 
ing a  brief  and  rudely-carved  inscription  (which  is  now  legible) 
as  follows : 

1671; 

38m  3Lgetft  tj>e  ftofcg  of  tjje  toortjjw  SJjomas  88?tllett,  Esq,   tejo 

flUfc  &uflust  s*  4t&  In  tfie  64tJ>  sear  of  jfols  age  8tmo— 

WHO  WAS  THE  FIRST  MAYOR  OF  NEW  YORK, 

AND  TWICE  DID  SUSTAIN  THE  PLACE. 

His  wife  Mary  is  buried  by  his  side.     She  died  about  1669. 

Thus  the  first  English  Mayor  of  the  first  Commercial  me- 
tropolis in  America,  lies  buried  on  a  lonely  and  barren  heath, 
in  the  humble  town  of  Seekonk,  at  a  place  seldom  visited  by 
the  footsteps  of  man, — with  nought  but  the  rudest  monument 
to  mark  the  spot. 

The  farm  which  he  laid  out  in  this  town,  at  High  Squissit, 
and  agreeable  to  the  reservation  in  the  Deed,  (see  p.  8)  con- 
sisted of  about  500  acres,  (besides  his  meadow  and  several 
other  lots)  and  was  situated  on  both  sides  of  the  Seven  Mile 
River,  beginning  near  Newell's  tavern. 

His  share  in  the  R.  N.  Purchase  was  sold  by  his  son  Capt. 
Andrew  Willett  to  John  Wilkinson  the  1st. 


The  Stone  Monument  erected  at  the  angle  in  the  Old  Col- 
ony Line  (which  is  referred  to,  in  a  note,  page  44)  contains  the 
following  inscription.  On  the  south  side  is  written  'Plymouth 
Colony' — on  the  north,  'Massachusetts  Colony.' 

"  This  Monument  by  order  of  Government  to  perpetuate 
the  place  on  which  the  late  Station  or  Angle  Tree  formerly 
stood. 


*  In  the  Old  Colony  Records  it  is  said  to  have  been  the  3d  Aug.   but  I 
have  chosen  to  rely  on  the  inscription  upon  his  grave  stone. 


132 

The  Commissioners  appointed  by  the  old  Colonies  of  Ply- 
mouth and  Massachusetts  to  run  and  establish  this  line  in  1664. 
were  Robert  Stetson,  Constant  Southworth,  Josias  Winslow, 
Jos.  Fisher,  Roger  Clap,  and  Eleazer  Lusher.  They  began 
this  work  the  10th  of  May  the  same  year,  and  marked  a  tree 
then  standing  on  this  spot,  it  being  three  miles  south  of  the 
southernmost  part  of  Charles  River. 

Lemuel  Kollock,  Esq.  was  appointed  Agent  to  cause  this 
monument  to  be  erected. — By  order  of  the  General  Court. 

The  Selectmen  of  the  towns  of  Wrentham  and  Attleborough 
were  present,  viz.  Elisha  May,  Ebenr.  Tyler,  and  Caleb  Rich- 
ordson,  Esqrs.  of  Attleborough ;  and  Samuel  Fisher,  John 
Whiting,  Nathan  Hawes,  Nathan  Comstock,  and  Nathaniel 
Ware  of  Wrentham. 

From  this  Stone*  the  line  is  East  20  Degrees  and  a  half 
North  to  Accord  Pond. 

Done  at  Wrentham,  Nov.  29th,  1790,  by  Samuel  Fisher  & 
Son." 

The  line  on  which  this  stands — the  boundary  between  Ply- 
mouth and  Massachusetts  Colonies — was  a  frequent  subject  of 
dispute  during  the  existence  of  the  colonies.  The  line  was 
run  five  or  six  times  by  Commissioners  appointed  for  the  pur- 
pose. This  now  constitutes  the  boundary  between  Wrentham 
and  Attleborough. 


The  original  title  to  the  North  Purchase  was  derived  from 
Alexander,  the  son  of  Massasoit,  and  the  elder  brother  of  the 
celebrated  Philip,  Sachem  of  Pockanoket.  The  deed  is  trans- 
cribed in  pages  6-7.  His  original  name  was  Mooanam,  af- 
terwards Wamsutta,  or  Wamsitta,  and  finally  Alexander  Pock- 
anoket, which  last  name  wa3  bestowed  upon  him,  and  that  of 
Philip  upon  his  brother,  by  the  Plymouth  Court,  on  occasion 
of  the  death  of  their  father  Massasoit.  It  appears  to  have  been 
a  custom  with  the  aborigines  in  this  part  of  the  country,  at 
least  with  their  Chiefs,  to  assume  new  names  on  the  decease  of 
any  one  of  the  family  to  which  they   belonged.     This  custom 


*  The  stone  is  about  14  feet   in  height,  and  two  feet  in  width,  and  of  im- 
mense weight. 


133 

may  perhaps  be  traced  to  some  Eastern  origin,  as  many  of  the 
Indian  ceremonies  have  already  been,  by  historians. 

A  record  of  this  transaction  is  preserved  on  the  Old  Colony 
Books,  which,  as  I  have  never  yet  seen  it  in  print,  is  here 
copied. 

■  June  6th  1660.  At  the  earnest  request  of  Wamsitta  desir- 
ing that,  in  regard  his  father  is  lately  deceased,  and  he  being 
desirous,  according  to  the  custom  of  the  natives,  to  change  his 
name,  that  the  court  would  confer  an  English  name  upon  him, 
which  accordingly  they  did,  and  therefore  ordered  that  for  the 
future  he  shall  be  called  by  the  name  of  Alexander  Pokano- 
ket ;  and  desiring  the  same  in  behalf  of  his  brother,  they  have 
named  him  Phillip.' 

The  colonists  during  this  friendly  intercourse  could  not  have 
imagined  that,  in  the  course  of  a  few  years,  the  younger  broth- 
er upon  whom  they  were  bestowing  the  name  of  an  ancient 
conqueror,  and  who  was  possessed  of  all  the  natural  talent  and 
ambition,  but  not  the  power  or  the  good  fortune  of  his  great 
namesake,  would  become  their  most  dangerous  enemy,  and 
the  terror  of  all  New  England. 

This  docnm»*  record  clearly  proves  that  Massaoit  (con- 
cerning the  time  of  whose  death  there  has  been  much  contro- 
versy among  his  historians)  died  a  short  time  previous  to  June 
6th  1660. 

The  circumstance  of  the  bestowment  of  these  names  upon 
these  brothers  is  mentioned  by  the  ancient  historians  (but  not 
the  occasion  of  it)  and  without  fixing  any  precise  date.  They 
have  usually  assigned  a  date  several  years  earlier  as  the  peri- 
od of  Massasoit's  death;  but  modern  biographers  and  histori- 
ans have  generally  supposed  it  several  years  later  than  the 
true  period.* 

From  some   circumstances  within  my  knowledge   it   would 

•  B.  B.  Thatcher  in  his  Indian  Biography  lately  published,  maintain! 
that  Massasoit's  death  must  have  occurred  several  years  subsequent  to  1661. 
His  words  are,  4  Their  father  not  being  mentioned  as  having  attended  them 
at  the  observance  of  the  ceremony  (the  confirmation  of  a  treaty  &c.)  hai 
probably  occasioned  the  suggestion  of  his  death.  It  would  be  a  sufficient 
explanation  of  bis  absence,  however,  that  he  was  now  an  old  man,  and  that 
the  distance  of  Soataien*  from  Plymouth  was  mora  than  4©  miles,'  Tol.  I* 
Chapt.  VII.  p.  141. 

18 


134 

appear  that  among  some  tribes  of  the  natives  the  custom  pre- 
vailed of  changing  their  habitations  ou  the   decease   of  any 
member  of  the  family.     I  have  heard   the   following  circum- 
stances related:    On  the   farm  of  the  late  Ebenezer  Daggett, 
Esq.  formerly  resided,  previous  to  its  occupation  by  the  whites, 
several  persons  by  the   name  of  Read,  who  were  said  to  be  of 
a  mixed  race,  part  Indian  and  part  Negro,  and  who  were  al- 
ways observed  to  change  the  location  of  their  huts  on  the  death 
of  any  one  of  their  number.     This  occurred  several  times  with- 
in the  observation   of  the  early  settlers.     This  custom   they 
probably  derived  from  their  Indian   descent.     The  survivors, 
who  lived  till  after  the  *  East  Bay  Road'  was  established  which 
passed  near  their  dwellings,  desired  that  they  too  might  be  bu- 
ried near  that  road  with  their  heads  towards  it,  that  they  might 
hear  the  news  when  the  great  Post  stage  passed  !     Their  request 
was  complied  with;  and  they  were  buried  about  ten  rods  from 
the  route  where  the  road  formerly  passed,  with  their  heads  in 
that  direction.     The  place  where  they   were  buried  is  still 
pointed  out  on  a  rising  ground  or  valley  between  two  hills. 
The  hillocks   (3  or  4  in  number)  were  distinctly  visible   within 
my  remembrance.     Thus  they  seemed  to   have  no  ideas  of  a 
physical  extinction  by  death, — which  was  agreeable    to   the 
Egyptian  notion.    They  seemed  to  consider  death  as  some  sort 
of  natural  change  merely,  and  not  a  destruction  of  the  material 
system. — Singular  conceptions  of  a  future  existence. 


Among  the  early  settlers  of  this  town  was  one  Joseph  Chap- 
lin, who  became  a  Proprietor,  and  a  great  landholder.  He 
came  here  from  Rowley,  Mass.  and  was  the  son  of  Rev,  Hugh 
Chaplin. — [Far.  Reg. 

He  was  a  man  of  singular  tastes  and  habits.  He  lived 
alone,  completely  a  hermh's  life — abjuring  all  society,  espe- 
cially that  of  the  female  sex.  The  cause  of  this  seclusion  is 
not  certainly  known — though  tradition  says,  it  was  the  faithless* 
ness  of  a  young  lady  to  whom  he  was  engaged  in  early  life. 
He  built  him  a  house — cooked  his  own  food — and  made  his 
own  clothes.  He  laid  out  a  large  quantity  of  land  (in  the 
whole  over  700  acres)  and  kept  a  large  stock  of  cattle.     He 


135 

planted  several  orchards  and  raised  a  variety  of  fruits.  Ho 
laid  out  the  most  of  that  large  tract  of  land  called  the  *  Half- 
way-Swamp.' He  died  about  the  year  1750,  at  a  very  ad- 
vanced age,  and  his  property  was  inherited  by  his  nephews, 
Jonathan  Chaplin,  Elizabeth  (who  married  Samuel  Searl)  and 
John  Chaplin,  all  of  Rowley,  Mass.  Chaplin  was  not  mo- 
rose, but  naturally  benevolent;  and  would  permit  the  neigh- 
boring women  to  come  and  partake  the  abundant  fruits  of 
his  orchard,  but  was  always  careful  to  retire  out  of  sight  on  the 
occasion.  His  only  companions  were  a  number  of  large  cats, 
He  was  several  times  chosen  on  some  town  committee. 


In  the  first  burying  ground  is  the  following  inscription, 
which  is  worthy  of  preservation.  It  is  the  celebrated  epitaph 
on  the  Negro  Slave,  named  Caesar,  who  was  given  to  Lieut. 
Josiah  Maxcy  by  his  mother  when  he  was  a  child.  He  was 
admitted  to  communion  with  the  Baptisl  church  in  that  place. 
Though  simple  hearted,  he  proved  through  along  life  remark- 
ably honest  and  faithful  to  his  masters.  He  survived  his  first 
master,  and  after  his  own  death,  was  buried  in  the  same  grave 
yard  :  a  decent  stone  was  erected  to  his  memory  by  his  young- 
er master,  Levi  Maxcy,  with  this  inscription — which  may  y  ; 
be  seen  in  the  northeast  corner  of  the  burying  ground,  n'  : 
^Hatch's  tavern. 

*  Here  liei  the  belt  of  slaves, 
Now  turning   into  dust; 
Cecsar,  the  Ethiopian,  craves 
A  place  among  the  Just. 

His  faithful  soul  has  fled 
To  realms  of  heavenly  light, 
And  by  the  blood  that  Jesus  shed, 
Is  changed  from  Black  to  While. 

January  15,  he  quitted  the  stage, 
In  the  77th  year  of  hit  age.' 
1790, 


136 

The  Commissioners  who  were  appointed  by  his  Majesty  in 
1664,  passed  the  following  order  respecting  the  boundary  be- 
tween Rhode  Island  and  Plymouth  Colonies,  a  part  of  which 
was  the  West  line  of  the  Rehoboth  North  Purchase. 

* To  the  Great  and  General  Assembly  of  Plymouth,  and  also  of 
Rhode  Island  and  Providence  Plantations, 

By  the  power  given  us  by  his  Majesty's  Commission  under 
his  great  seal  of  England,  and  directed  by  his  Majesty's  in- 
structions to  make  a  temporary  settlement  of  the  bounds 
claimed  by  any  Colony,  of  which  we  can  make  no  final  judg- 
ment by  consent  of  parties,  that  the  peace  of  the  country  may 
be  preserved,  till  his  Majesty's  judgment  and  determination  of 
their  bounds  be  known, 

We  order  and  Declare,  the  salt  water  to  divide  the  main 
land  and  Rhode  Island  from  Seconet  Rocks  northward  to  the 
point  of  the  main  land  which  next  over  against  Mount  Hope 
point  to  the  said  Mount  Hope  point,  not  touching  upon  Rhode 
Island,  and  so  another  right  line  from  Mt.  Hope  point  to  the 
next  point  upon  the  main  land,  and  so  from  point  to  point  and 
from  the  last  point  a  right  line  to  the  River's  mouth  called 
Seaconke,  and  up  said  river  called  Seaconke  below  and  Pau- 
tucket  above  till  it  meets  with  the  Massachusett's  line,  to  be 
the  present  bounds  between  his  Majesty's  colony  of  Plymouth 
and  Rhode  Island,  till  his  Majesty's  pleasure  be  further  known 
concerning  them.  And  we  desire  each  colony  to  give  the 
reasons  of  their  pretences  and  a  draught  of  their  country  ac- 
cording to  their  charters  that  we  may  give  his  Majesty  true  in- 
formation of  them,  which  we  promise  to  do. 

Given  under  our  hands  and  seals  at  Newport  on  Rhode    Is- 
land March  the  7th  1664.'  Robert  Carr  (seal) 

George  Cartwright  (seal) 
Samuel  Maverick      (seal) 

A  true  copy  examined  with  the  original. 

Per  J.  Willard,  Sec'y. 


Errata.  In  the  list  of  Proprietors,  page  11,  by  Rober  Joans,  so  spelt 
in  the  original,  was  intended  Robert  Jones. 

In  the  note,  page  30,  tbe  date,  July  5th,  1671,  should  be  connected  with 
the  succeeding  words,  it  being  tbe  time  of  tbe  passing  of  the  order  which  ii 
there  quoted. 

In  the  last  note,  page  2,7,   for  1765,  read  1675  . 

In  pages  79 — 80,  for  Aldrich  read  Nathan  Aldis. 

Page  61,  erase  tbe  second  Note.  Page  93,  line  9  from  the  top,  for  to 
read  from.  Page  94,  line  5  from  top,  erase  the  name  Seth.  Page  98,  in 
second  Note,  second  line,  for  1769  read  1709.  Page  105,  second  line  from 
bottom,  for  His  second  daughter  read  His  daughter  Eunice. 


#* 


14  DAY  USE 

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on  the  date  to  which  renewed. 

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